#leo2k12

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 5

Hey everyone. Hope you’re enjoying this fanfic. Be sure to read it in order if you’re a bit lost in the plot. 

Stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits!

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[HIDDEN CITY]

“Get your fresh fish here~! Straight from the well’s mouth!”

“Organic leaping fruits! Put a pep in your step! Get them while they’re still springy!”

“Want to impress your lady? Then come down to our ancient jewelry! Where we treat every woman like a queen!”

As the markets of Hidden City bustles with shopkeepers and goods of all kinds, Dahlia trails to the forest. When reaching her destination in the deepest parts, she opens the bag and starts collecting whatever she can get her hands on.

‘These look great. Perfect for this season.’

Zip~

“This should be enough.”

Mayhem sits on her shoulders as they walk further down.

*Squeaking*

“I know you can teleport us there, but it’s been a while since my last visit. Let’s enjoy the view as we go. I’ll even let you snack on a few of these.”

Dahlia rubs his cheek as he meows with glee.

“You’ll like it there, Mayhem. It’s peaceful, quiet, and has the best—"

Rustle-Rustle~

“!?”

Mayhem snarls as Dahlia scans her surroundings.

RUSTLE~

The sounds become louder as she takes a fighting stance.

SHOOM!

“AAHHH!”

THUMP!

In a flash, someone flies into her, knowing each other down.

“Ugh~....”

“Augh, what in the—”

“Dahlia?”

Her head shoots up to see the younger terrapin.

“Michael?”

They stumble back on their feet.

“Where did...how did you...and why is there a rope tied to your waist?!”

Rustle—Rustle!

Just then, they see Leo2k3. 

“Mikey, there you are. I was...Dahlia?”

Seeing the shock on her face, his eyes shift to the weapon in his hand then back at her.

“I-I...let me explain—”

“Are you insane?”

Frustration takes over as she comes closer.

“I said I would handle this, and yet you go behind my back?!”

“Um, guys, this really isn’t the time to—”

“I know and I’m sorry, but I couldn’t stand by and do nothing! I want to help as much as you do!”

“That’s our mission too,” Mikey2k12 argues, “but I ain’t acting loco like you, homie! Let’s go back already and talk about this where it’s safe, please?”

“He’s right. You’re on the outskirts of the Hidden City. The wild here is just as dangerous and unpredictable as that sword you’re holding, you thief.”

“Oh, so I’m the bad guy here?”

“No duh, Mr. I-Know-Everything’.”

“Aren’t you just as upset as I am, Michael?! We’re stranded in another dimension and our only chance of getting back could be this! I had to try!”

“And you could’ve wound up in some whacko world with no oxygen, or in space, or...or...you get the idea!”

Unbeknownst to them, something lurks in the woods, circling the trio.

“You didn’t have to follow me!”

“But I did anyway! I throw myself into a portal to drag your sorry shell back to get you out of trouble! And that’s rich from someone who’s a screwup!”

“Enough! Both of you!”

The turtles turn away from each other.

“Nardo, I....I am disappointed that you...hah...but I’m not...I don’t hate you for this.”

She doesn’t see the confliction in his face.

“But you have to understand. This place and the one above...both are my home. I know them better than anyone. What you did was just dumb luck. If you hadn’t shown up here, you could’ve been in a worse situation where I or April, or—or your brothers wouldn’t be able to find you.”

Both turtles look to her as Mayhem hugs her neck in comfort.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I’m doing or how I’m gonna do it...but I’m not giving up. Right now, all I want is for you to give me a chance...and so far...you haven’t.”

“......”

SHAAA~

“...Um, guys...”

GRRR!

They gasp as a ten-foot lion appears. Two tails, crystal-pattern on its body and a glowing, red gemstone embedded in its chest.

“It’s that freaky creature again!”

“An Inferleon...here?”

FWIP!

“Look out!”

BAM!

“Ahh!”

Using her foot, she uses her powers to push the boys away.

CLANG!

“Ngh!”

She forms two spears to hold the beast’s paw in place.

“Dahlia, above you!”

FWOOM!

WHAM!

She backflips away in time before its tails take a whack at her.

“Is the portal you came from still open?!”

“It’s due east over there!”

ROOOOAAAR!!

“Well, what’re you waiting for!”

They make a run for it while dodging the yokai’s tails with each strike.

“What is that thing?!”

“An Inferleon! But they’re usually docile! Which one of you ticked it off!?”

“We didn’t! It just charged right at us!”

“I don’t wanna be cat food~!”

“There it is!”

Only twenty-feet away from the blue light as they run faster.

FWIP/AHH!

“Mikey!”

SNATCH/WOAH!

“Leo!”

Dahlia slides back when the beast coils its tails on each of them.

At the exact moment, the four turtles return to the lair to see their brothers holding onto ropes while a portal is open.

“What the shell?!”

“U-Uh, hey guys.”

“It’s not what it looks like.”

“Woah!”

Raph2k12 feels a tug on his end of the rope and tries to pull back. Raph2k3 and Donnie2k12 help him while Leo2k12 and Mikey2k3 do the same for Donnie2k3.

“How long have they been gone?”

“Three minutes.”

“Then what’s keepin’ them from—ahh!”

WHIP/BAM!

All of a sudden, they get lifted up and hit the floor.

“Woah/Augh~!”

WHIP/WHAM!

“What—OW—is—OUCH—happening?!”

“How should—OW—I know—OOF!”

BAM!

“Augh, my shell!”

WHIP/SLAM!

Like themselves, Leo and Mikey are getting flipped back and forth by the beast.

Ringtone!

Just then, Dahlia gets a facetime from April.

Beep!

“Hey, April, can this wait for a moment?”

“Just checking on how y—WHAT THE WHAT IS THAT!?”

“AAHHH!”

SLAM!

“Long story! Gotta go!”

[Wait, what are—]

Bleep!

Dahlia quickly dials a number.

[Hello?]

“Raging Red, it’s me!”

[Dahlia?! Where—]

“When I say ‘now’ you pull on the ropes as hard as you can! Get Franken-Foot to help!”

[What are you gonna do?]

“Something stupid.”

Staying on call, Dahlia charges in.

SNARL!

BAM!

She leaps sideways and snags a fragment of the Inferleon’s crystals.

CLANKING!

FWIP/SLAM!

She forms chains strong enough to restrain the mystic lion down on its back. Landing on its chest, Dahlia heads for the firestone.

SHAA!

Dahlia creates a protective layer over her hands with larger ones.

FWOOM!

CRACKLE!

But when reaching out, a forcefield pushes her back.

“Dang it, should’ve known it repels magic,” she curses.

“Ugh~ I’m gonna be sick—ouch—woah!”

Biting her lip, Dahlia had only one thing to do.

“Sorry about this, big guy.”

Inhaling sharply, she plunges her bare hands onto the gem.

FSSSHHH!

“AAHHH~!”

“Dahlia/Dahlia, no!”

The agonizing pain is too much to bear, but her persistence grows as she uses all her strength.

CLANG!

ROOOAAAARRR!

The beast cries as the gem pulls out from its body and loses its tail grip on the turtles.

“Now, Raph!”

“PULL~!”

YANK!

The turtles, Franken-Foot, and Shelldon tug on the ropes as the brothers get pulled in.

FWOOM!

“(Both)DAHLIA!”

SWHING!

THUMP!

Leo2k3 and Mikey2k12 are now back in the lair as the portal disappears.

“Little bro!”

Raph2k12 collides into his youngest brother and helps him up.

“You alright, buddy?”

“Ugh...I won’t be riding rollercoasters for a while.”

“What happened? And where’s Dahlia?”

“Oh no! Dudes, she’s in trouble—we gotta go save her!”

Raph2k12 tries calling her, but only hears static.

“Aw, sewer apples, the line’s dead!”

“......Huff...”

A drop of sweat drips down Dahlia’s cheek. Her eyes glued to the Inferleon, its face only a foot away from hers as she is cornered into a wall. The beast breathes slowly as its fangs let out a menacing growl. Mayhem tries to shield Dahlia, but she holds him in place, not breaking eye-contact. She can sense it. His pain much stronger than her tarnished palms burnt by the stone she forcibly removed. It only makes her chest burn with anxiety, sadness, and remorse. Dahlia ducks her head, curling up with Mayhem in her lap. She prepares for the worst, and she knew she deserves it.

SLUMP~

But after a long, unbearable silence, Dahlia is stunned as the Inferleon lies on its belly in front of her. Relaxing herself, Dahlia leans forward as Mayhem jumps beside the lion. His behavior confused Dahlia. It’s as if it can read her thoughts and emotions. Slowly, she reaches out, watching his movements before he licks her hand, a low howl coming through his throat.

“...I’m sorry, too. I’m so sorry.”

Dahlia then remembers the gemstone and sees it lying on the side. Even if her palms, still feeling the fiery pain deep in her skin and numb to the touch, she knows what to do to make this right.

REOW~!

“...Mayhem? What’s wrong—”

SHOOM!

“Uh!”

TWIRL—TWIRL!

ROAR!

Out of nowhere, a giant net made of glowing strings ensnares on the Inferleon. Dahlia and Mayhem see a man. Or at least she thinks, till he came closer. Stripe patterns on the visible, glowing red-orange skin, wearing black leather with a pullover face-mask.

“Not bad, little lady. Even the wild beasts respect you.”

He twirls the net-gun and drops it back into its case.

Click

WHIRR~

The stranger uses a high-tech bubble to carry the gem inside as it magnetically pulls to his hand.

“Thanks for doing the job for me.”

The Inferleon snarls at the figure.

“So, you’re the one who forced him out of his cave.” 

“Wasn’t that difficult. Oh—(chuckles)sorry, where are my manners.”

The brunette pulls his mask down, revealing his face that appears merman-like as his golden eyes smile.

“I’m Jax. Your friends are already acquainted with us.”

“Figures they’d be a walking magnet for fellow clowns.”

“Aren’t you adorable.”

He tosses the orb a few times while walking sideways.

“Wish we could’ve met earlier. You would’ve made a great apprentice. But for now, I’m in the middle of something, so~...”

C-CLACK

BOOM!

With another gun, he opens a portal.

“Have fun playing catch-up.”

“Think again, fish-lips!”

Skid!

Dahlia gets on her feet and collides into him as they fall into the portal.

SHWING!

TUMBLE!

Next thing they know, they’re rolling into the middle of an abandoned construction site.

KICK!

“Ow! Hey, not cool!”

Dahlia chases after Jax as they jump from one steel column to the next till they stop halfway.

BOOM!

SHWING!

Jax escapes through a portal and reappears on the other side of the building.

FWOOM!

“Ngh!”

WHIRL!

Dahlia spins sideways to dodge the metal hoop and sees Hypno floating in the air.

“Hello again, my dear.”

“And goodbye!”

She runs ahead.

CLANG!

She’s cut off by Ghostbear and Meat-Sweats.

“Peek-a-boo, little mousie.”

“We have a reservation for one, runaway brunch.”

Dahlia raises her hand out, but feels a sharp twinge, forcing her to retract.

“Looks like you’re out of luck, lassie.”

However, Dahlia spots the rope flung over one column and a wheelbarrow of bricks. Her smirk changes quickly to shock and points down.

“Oh-mi-gosh, is that Guy Flambe eating pork risotto with Annihilation?”

“Huh/Que?”

💥👊��PUNCH/OOF!

Dahlia runs to the wheelbarrow and ties the rope onto the handle.

“You’re French toast, pest!”

KICK!

“AAHH!”

CRASH!

The impact makes them fall with the wheelbarrow.

WHOOSH!

Dahlia grabs the other end of the rope, despite the pain, pulling her up. She leaps off and keeps climbing to the top.

“Forgot about me?”

SWING/CLANG—CLANG!

She dodges the hoops, then finds herself heading for a ledge.

“Whew—okay, okay, you got this. One...”

CLANG!

“Dah~ three!”

BOING!

She manages to form coils onto her feet to bounce towards the other rooftop.

TUMBLE~!

“OW—OW—OW!”

POOF!

“...Ow.”

She hits a pile of cement sacks and slides down.

SHWING!

Reow!

“Mayhem!”

SWIRL/GRAB!

“Augh!”

Dahlia squirms as Meat-Sweats’ tendrils get ahold of her.

SHLOOP!

“Ngh...gah~!”

The glowing, green, blobs appear as it sucks out her energy.

“Struggling only makes it worse,” Meat-Sweats cackles, “but an ingredient who puts up a fight makes the flavor even more delectable.”

Mayhem lunges towards them.

TWIRL/SNATCH/WHIMPER!

“No!”

A high-tech bolas net traps him onto a pillar.

KA-THUMP!

Coming out of a portal are two more men appearing alien-like the same as Jax.

“Told ya I would knab the sucker, Colton.”

The dirty-blonde mohawk has sharp, pointed teeth that sneer with joy. He tosses the bow, and his redhead friend with goggles catches it with his tail.

“Not bad, Skeet. I give it an 8-point average.”

Once Dahlia no longer had the willpower, Meat-Sweats drops her to the floor.

“What shall we do with her, boss?”

They look to Jax, who sits on an isolated bench.  

“Dahlia/Where are you?!”

Jax sees the turtles outside the fence, his eyes glow eerie with intrigue. He gets up and walks forward.

WHOOSH~

A gust of wind blows his hood off, revealing dreadlocks that act like living tentacles as they hover over Dahlia.

“You boys go on ahead.”

SHWING/SHOOM!

Once the others disappear, Jax picks Dahlia up by her throat with one lock of his hair.

“Ugh...ah...”

She groans, could barely utter a word as her vision starts to blur.

“You made it this far, kid.”

A smile still lingers as his expression grows dark.

“Don’t disappoint me.”

TOSS~

A cold rush of air. 

WHOOSH!

Unexplained sounds fading. 

CRUMBLE~!

The night sky and the world around turn into a dark void.

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 CRASH!

[TO BE CONTINUED...]

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 1

Hello~ everyone! As promised, I give you the first part of TURTLE RUSH. The second part will be on its way, but I hope you have time to read this story. As I stated before, I’ll upload artwork of panels, either ‘sketch or color’, whichever I have the time to finish, so be on the lookout. Anyway, feel free to ask me any questions regarding this story. Your feedback would really help me know on how I’m doing so far. Best regards to you and your loved ones. Have fun!

Stay safe, healthy, and in holiday spirits!

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[NEW YORK...]

Spring Break. A whole week off from school here in NYC. Now the first day, students charge out of campus like a stampede. From hitting the books to hitting the sandy beaches, partying, and just doing whatever they can within seven days of freedom. At least, for some of them.

Beneath the city and within the sewers lies the hidden lair of the turtles. Except this time, no turtle or rat to be found. Instead...

BRIIING!

Beep

“C-hello~.”

[Hey, Dahlia.]

“Hey, April. You coming over?”

[Yup! I am so ready for this!]

“Good, cause it’s kinda quiet around here.”

[Well, since the guys are finally taking that camping trip—]

“Survival training.”

[Right, right...which means somebody’s gotta watch the lair...which, I would totally do, but—]

“I know, you’ve got a ton of homework like I do and still looking for that perfect job. Y’know I can ask Hueso to have you fill in during the day.”

[Thanks, but I don’t want anything that could eat me, spit bodily fluids, or slip any funky, mystic junk that might explode. I don’t know how you do it, but you handle like a boss.]

“It’s what I do.”

[Anyway, I’m jealous you got a break three days earlier cause of...what was it again?]

“A school carnival incident. Let’s just say the board will be diving real deep into budget repairs.”

[Hey, so, I’m ten minutes away from a manhole. Go take a break and get something to eat]

“Sure, I’ll even bring back something later. Just let me tell my co-sitter. Oh, Shelldon~!”

WHIRL~

“You rang, dudette?”

The purple droid floats above her as she stands up.

“I’ll be back in a few. Mind turning on your safety protocol. Just in case.”

“No worries, Dahlia, I got this.”

Shelldon nudges his head into hers as she smiles, petting him.

C-CLANG!

Using an exit outside of town, she conjures her powers and forms a pair of wings to fly out.

FLAP—FLAP-FLAP—FLAP!

Dahlia closes her eyes and breathes the air in the night sky. Looking down, she gazes at the multicolored lights that give a glow to the city that never sleeps.

“Alright...which joint should I hit up? Chinese, Thai, Italian, seafood...or~ Lou-Mike-Toney-Tony’s Pizza like we usually do? Hmm...”

But her thoughts are interrupted when spotting colorful characters standing in the harbor.

“Hello~ what do we have here?”

FWOOM~

She glides slowly and lands behind a stack of shipping containers.

“What a delicious variety.”

“Muy Bueno...”

Peeking around, Dahlia sees none other than Hypno, Meat-Sweats, and Ghostbear circling around a pile of stolen goods, no doubt.

“I told you this villain retreat would be a mesmerizing idea,” Hypno implies.

“And a special bonus in defeating those pesky turtles,” Meat-Sweats smirks.

“(Whispers)What? No, that can’t be right...”

“Are we sure those were the turtles? They look, uh...different...”

“And many in numbers,” Ghostbears grunts, “one tried to bite my ear off like a squeaky toy.”

“Who cares. More food for an appetizing full-course turtle cuisine.”

The trio laughs, wickedly, not seeing Dahlia glance at the nearby shed.

“Sorry, April, but takeout will have to wait.”

Dahlia sneaks over to investigate.

C-Click...Creak~

Opening a window from the roof, she leaps down on the catwalk in pitch black darkness.

“Ugh...hiding someone in a dark room. Clique much?”

“Hey, get your elbow outta my face.”

“If you get yer’ foot off my foot, pipsqueak.”

“Say what!”

Suddenly, she hears voices and looks somewhere in the middle of the room. It’s hard to make out, but the silhouette of a rope is seen hanging from one end and a large net ensnaring people in.

“Enough, you two! We’re getting nowhere with you bickering for the past five minutes.”

“Dude, I’m cramping up here.”

“At least you’re not getting the blood rushed to your cranium.”

“Psst!”

“Shh, everyone shut up. I heard something.”

“Hey...hey you.”

“Who’s there?”

“Up here.”

Dahlia waves her arm, regardless of if they could or couldn’t see.

“Who are you?”

“My name’s Dahlia Shinzo. I’m here to help.”

“Finally!”

“Shhh~!!”

“Sorry.”

Using the material from the metal rail to form a knife. She jumps and lands above the net.

Bonk!

“Ow!”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine, miss.”

“I’ll cut the—”

“Wait! Our weapons are right under us.”

Dahlia sees them, the blades especially pointing in their direction.

“Relax, I got this. Now hold still.”

“No, no, no, no—”

SLASH!

“AAAHHH!”

FWIP/CLATTER!

Dahlia forms a foot and extends downward to kick the weapons out from under.

THUMP!

Next thing they know, they’re on the ground with minor concussions. Dahlia leaps down in front of them.

“In all fairness, I did warn you.”

“Oh no, I love falling ten feet above ground and taking a shell to the face.”

“Again, sorry. Are you guys o...kay~...?”

Her words become lost as she stands there in shock once the moonlight shines through, revealing the captured victims. Once noticed, they all wide-eye each other. Until the taller one in orange nervously chuckles.

“Ah-ha-ha...hi...”

“I-I...you...what the what?”

“Don’t be scared/Don’t freak out, please.”

Dahlia shakes her head before sliding her fingers across her forehead.

“O-kay~ either I overworked myself, gone crazy, or I’m dead. Hopefully not crazy...”

“It’s, uh, not as bad as you think.”

“Seriously, Don? You think giant, talking—”

“Wait-wait-wait...what did you say?”

“Well, we’re...uh~...”

Dahlia gets closer to the gap-toothed one, making him feel uncomfortable as she circles around him.

“Um...this is...awkward, right? Anyone...?”

“Oh my Pisces...Donatello?”

“You...you know me?”

“You know us?”

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“No way.”

She looks at the others.

“Michelangelo?”

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“That’s me.”

“And me!”

“Raphael and...a-and Leonardo?”

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“That’s us.”

“...I knew it. I’ve gone nuts.”

BAM!

Everyone jumps from the door opening abruptly.

“Well, well, well...seems a little mouse is trying to steal our cheese.”

“What cheese? I see only those tortugas and small girl.”

“It’s an expression~ we’ve been over this. Just like the saying: ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’.”

“Now there’s animals falling from the sky?”

“No~ it’s—”

“Cats, dogs, mice, whatever! Let’s just batter and fry these pests on a—huh?”

In their rant, they now realize the teens have snuck out of the backway.

“Book it, people, let’s go!”

“What do ya think we’re doin’?!”

“No fair, I’ve got shorter legs than y’all!”

CRASH!

“Uwaaahh!”

The villains burst through the shed.

“Not so fast, missy!”

FWIP-FWIP—FWIP!

Hypno uses his color-changing scarf trick to lasso Dahlia.

“They got her!”

“I got this!”

Leo2k12 charges in.

“Leo, behind you!”

FWIP!

CLANG!

“It’s those flying hoops, yo!”

Ten of them form a barrier around Hypno and Dahlia.

Tap-Tap

“Huh?”

Donnie2k3 turns but doesn’t see anyone.

SHWING~

“Ahh!”

“Peek-a-boo, tortugas.”

“Donnie!”

CRUMBLE!

Raph2k3 pulls his brother just in time and swings his fist out.

WHIRR

But it goes right through his transparent body.

“Heh-heh-heh.”

“Augh~ shell.”

POW!

“Raph!”

Leo2k3 runs over after his brother hits a shipping cargo.

“Ugh~ forgot he can do that.”

“Seriously,” Mikey2k3 exclaims, “ghost powers, floating magic tricks, and an oversized cannibal pig?! What kind of mutants are they?!”

“The kind that’re kicking our butts...again. But not this time!”

“Wait, Raph, we need a plan.”

“Dudes~! We could use some help over here!”

Mikey2k12 gets their attention as he and his brothers try to break the barrier.  

“Looks like your act is all tied up, missy.”

“Subtle...but did you forget?”

CLANG~!

Using her powers, she forms two blades from the ground, cutting the fabric apart.

“The best performance—"

TWIRL—TWIRL—CLACK!

“—can come from improvising!”

“What the.../Woah~/She has super powers?!”

Ghostbear and Meat-Sweats jump beside Hypno.

“Take. Her. Out!”

ROAR!

SHWING!

Ghostbear disappears and reappears behind Dahlia.

FWOOM!

“Huh?!”

But she vanishes before he throws the first punch. (Ninja Stealth/Invisibility Lesson #3😉)

Fweet—Fweet~

The wrestler looks up at the sound of a whistle and sees Dahlia spin towards him.

💥KA-POW!!

“OOH~!”

THUMP!

“A double spin-kick to the face!”

“Girl’s got game.”

FLING!

CLACK/CLANG-CLANG/CLASH!

Hypno’s hoops swoop in from all directions and she repels with her swords.

“Your performance is exceptional, as always! A shame I have to draw the curtain down on it!”

“Wanna bet!”

SHWING~

The swords turn into a bow and arrow. With focus and precision, she has the targets in sight.

FFT!

SHOOM—SHOOM-SHOOM—SHOOM—SHOOM!

The arrow takes off, a thread hanging by the tail as it shoots through every hoop.

CLATTER!

With one pull, the hoops are tied up.

“RAAR!”

BAM!

Dahlia ducks, still having the hoops in her grasp as Meat-Sweats swings his giant meat-tenderizer.

“Those pesky turtles may be the main course, but your powers will make a wonderful dessert.”

“Sorry, but I think my flavor would burst that pork-belly of yours. Ever thought about going vegan?”

“Grr~!”

POUND!

Dahlia jumps as Meat-Sweats hammers a crater into the ground.

“Get ready, boys!”

“Ngh!”

FLAP!

Pushing herself off of the pig’s head, she soars up high.

Dahlia transfers a fraction of her powers down the thread .

SHACK!

Everyone gawks as she warps the hoops into a giant hook.

“Oh~ shallops...”

FWOOM!

“RETREAT~!!”

Screaming in terror, the villains could only run ten feet as the hook snatches them up.

WHIRL!

“WHOAAA—AAA—AAHHH!”

With enough spin, Dahlia finishes things off with one swing.

FLICK!

“UWAAAA~!!”

💦💦SPLASH!💦💦

Dropping the trio along the waterfront.

GURGLE—GURGLE!

SPURT~!

“Ugh/Ooh.../Cough-Cough~!”

“Hah...I hate those pests.”

While the villains wash their pain and shame in the harbor, the others escape into the sewers, with Dahlia leading.

“That was epic,” Mikey 2k12 cheers, “you’re like a superhero, girl!”

“Are you part mutant or somethin’,” Raph 2k3 questions.

“Half-human. The other half is yokai.”

“Wait, you’re a yokai?”

“Are there more of you,” Donnie 2k3 asks.

“Yokai have been in this world for generations. Mystical powers, magic, you name it. But as far as I know, I’m the only half-breed of my kind.”

“No wonder you were owning that fight,” Mikey 2k3 grins, “you got some next-level skills, dudette.”

BRING~!

Dahlia takes out her phone.

“Oh crud, it’s April.”

“As in, O’Niel,” Raph 2k12 questions.

“I’m assuming you guys have one of your own, too?”

“Think of us as parallel universe versions,” Donnie 2k12 implies.

Beep!

“Hey, you.”

[You on your way, Dahlia? I got some pizza as backup if all the joints are booked.]

“Thanks, April.”

Dahlia eyes the turtles before awkwardly smiling to herself.

“I hope you bought extra...I think we’re gonna have a long~ night.”

[TO BE CONTINUED...]

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I hope you enjoyed reading Part 1. Stay tune for Part 2, guys!

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 9

Hey guys! Thanks for your support! Here’s the next chapter before the finale, so I hope you stick around to the end. Happy reading. Stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits!

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. .

. .

WHIIRRRR~

The latch opens up, letting Raph and Dahlia step out of the tank.

“You sure you wanna do this?”

“We’ll be fine, Leo. You just keep your twin away from committing murder.”

“Whaaa—nooo~. I was just going to have a friendly demonstration of why you shouldn’t mutualize, dismember, and/or humiliate the very existence of your enemies who dare mess with—”

SLAP!

“No! Bad Donnie, bad!”

SPRITZ–SPRITZ!

“Augh!”

“No plotting or evil scheming! Back in your corner!”

Raph and Dahlia sweat drop at Mikey spraying water at his brother as if scolding a cat. The duo then confronts the deer yokai.

“Miss Dahlia.”

“Artio.”

She scans the area.

“A forcefield...”

“You didn’t think I would waltz around in this mess unarmed, did you?”

Artio reaches into his pockets and takes out silver brooches.

“Protection charms?”

“This situation on the surface is bad for business below. So, Mr. Corvidian is offering a deal.”

“Where have I heard that before?”

“Raph, please...”

“These charms will repel the curse.”

“Let me guess,” Dahlia assumes, “you help us break the spell and stop those thieves. In return...”

“You promise to give yourself up.”

HONK—HONK!

[Fat chance, buck-o! Don’t try to angle the situation in your favor!]

D2k18 waves his fist towards Artio in anger while his voice booms through the speakers.

“Sorry, but that deal ain’t happenin’.”

“You won’t last ten seconds out there without getting possessed, big guy. You’ve witnessed firsthand, Dahlia...that curse is too great, even for you. Either you take the deal, or both our cities will perish.”

“If I agree?”

“Corvidian can care less if your friends try to rescue you. That’s how confident he is at getting his way.”

“Oh, we’ll be there to stop him,” Raph challenges, “you can bet on that.”

Artio reaches out, prompting Dahlia to shake his hand.

“When does it happen?”

“Who knows...it’s up to my boss when he feels like it. But know that you and I will meet on the outskirts of the Hidden City. Some day.”

“I understand. For now, you and Raph lead a team to getting that firestone.”

“What will you do?”

“I’ve got one more stop to make to even the odds.”

. .

. .

.

>>>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>

CREAKING~

Dahlia leads R/M2k3, D/L2k12, D/M2k18 into the piled wreckage facility.

“Okay, I’ll bite. What’re we doin’ in a junkyard?”

“More like a deathtrap,”M2k18 quivers, “this is a really bad idea, ‘Lia.”

“What do you have to be afraid of in here?”

CLANG!

“Hey you!”

“Woah!”

They see the giant mantis hopping off the cars and lands in front of them.

“A giant bug?!”

“Man, this city is crawling with mutants.”  

“Say, you’re not those annoying turtles. Who the heck are youz? Their cousins?”

“Who wants ta know?”

“Me, ya overgrown salad.”

“Knock it off, Repo,” Dahlia cuts in, “I need to borrow your cat.”

“Uhh...a cat?”

“Oh, Mrs. Nubbins~! I’m back~!”

“Woah, woah, hey! Are you crazy?! You tryin’ ta get us killed?!"

CLATTER!

The turtles gawk the moment the mutant feline runs towards them.

“Every man for himself!”

“I’m too pretty to die!”

“Me too!”

SLIDE!

“Sit, Nubbins!”

SCREEECCHHH!

By Dahlia’s command, Nubbins sits in front of her before the others become cat food.

“Down~...”

THUMP!

“Now, shake.”

The manti-cat lowers her mantis claw for Dahlia to grab.

“Good, girl.”

Dahlia tosses a tuna fish, which Nubbins happily eats.

Reow~

Nubbins purrs against her head.

“Aww, I missed you too. Look what I got.”

Dahlia waves a protection charm before pinning it on her collar. Under Nubbins’ left paw is her owner, still groaning in pain.

“Ugh...say, how come she listens to you?”

“It’s a female thing.”

“So, this is Plan N, huh?”

“What better way to round up some rogue villains than with a rogue mutant herder.”

“In this case, a giant cat bug.”

“Wait till our Raph gets a look at you.”

“Now wait a sec! You can’t just—”

“Relax, I got your compensation.”

Dahlia points her thumb towards the crates of used parts, satisfying the greedy mutant.

“Alright, boys, let’s move out.”

ROAR~!

With everyone on board, Nubbins leaps out of the junkyard. Riding up front, Dahlia feel D2k18’s arms around her waist.

“I can’t let you go through with it.”

“Somehow, I knew you were lipreading back there.”

“I’m not kidding.”

He tightens his hold, resting his head on her shoulder.

“You can’t expect me to let you give yourself up like that.”

“I have to, Donnie.”

“But he’s—”

“Artio is much of a victim to Corvidian as my dad was. There must be another reason for wanting me to go with him. I have to find out for myself.”

Dahlia puts a hand over his cheek.

“If anything does happen, I know you’ll swoop in and save me like a boss.”

“Like you need saving,” he chuckles, “but give me one moment of heroism so I can rub it in thy brother’s face.”  

“You rub your success in anyone’s face.

“Aww~.”

“Shut it, Mikey.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Not you, knucklehead.”

“Watch out!”

SLIDE~!!

L2k12’s warning makes Dahlia pull on Mrs. Nubbins’ collar, avoiding a collision with a runaway truck.

CRASH/CLATTER!

Looking up, their mouths drop at the building where the gem is, covered in mystic vines and a cloud of mist circling in the sky.

“That wasn’t there a minute ago.”

“We better hurry. Anyone have eyes on Colton?”

“DAAHHHH!”

WHOOSH!

“Mikey?!”

M2k12 screams as he dangles by Colton’s tail, being jet-rocketed in circles. April and D2k3 spot them when passing by.

“Thank goodness you’re here!”

“Splinter, Raph, and Artio are fighting Jax! Other Donnie and Draxum are heading for the barrier!”

“Donnie, give Purple-Rain a lift! Leon, Red-King, you help capture Colton and the others! I’ve got Jax!”

Everyone but Dahlia gets off of the mutant cat.

“Hey, Nubbins~ see the tasty fishman?”

The feline licks her lips in response.

“Go fish!”

REOW!

Nubbins makes a running start then climbs up the skyscraper while Dahlia forms two swords to evade every obstacle in their way.

FWOOM!

Landing on the rooftop, Dahlia hops off of Nubbins and sees Jax rampaging against the trio.

“Raph!”

“Dahlia—you’re okay!”

“We need to get this charm onto Jax! It’s the only way to repel the spell on him!”

“Give me the charm and keep distracting him!”

“No, it is too dangerous!”

“There’s no time! Artio, do it!”

The deer tosses the charm to Dahlia as the others hold Jax off. Pulling the metal off the pipes, Dahlia shoots four pieces to form handcuffs and ankle bracelets chaining the sea creature in place.

SCREE~EECH!

“Watch it!”

SHATTER!

The men back away when Jax breaks the restraints.

“He’s been exposed by the spell for too long!”

FWIP—FWIP!

“Dahlia!”

SNAG/URGH!

One of Jax’s dreadlocks wraps around Dahlia’s wrist and pulls her in.

“Big mistake!”

Using his strength against him, she takes this chance to cling from behind and clip the charm onto his coat.

SHAAA~

“GASP!”

THUMP!

In seconds, Jax is on his knees, wheezing, while Dahlia stands beside him. The red, scaley being finally turns to the girl, dazed, and confused.

“Kid...you...you saved me.”

“Hey, even thieves like you don’t deserve ‘this whole situation’.”

[Guys, we got a problem!]

[It’s the crystal!]

Hearing the Donatello’s, they look up at the tower where they’re stationed.

“According to the level of mystical properties that’s radiating at a high frequency with—”

“It’s overheating! The inferno gem has become a ticking timebomb!”

[Say what?!]

“Not even Colton’s facial recognition could turn this off!”

“At this rate, it’ll explode with such force, the entire world will succumb to madness in mere seconds!”

[So, what do we do?! There has to be another way!]

[How much time until?]

“I’m estimating about, uhh...seven minutes?”

[Aw, swell! We have three geniuses and not one of them can come up with a plan?!]

“Get off our shell, hothead!”

“You try tearing down a ginormous mystic weapon the size of a tour bus!”

“That’s enough,” Dahlia shouts, “all of you—head for the loading docks!”

[What are you gonna do?]

“Something stupid. Leo, portal them, now.”

[But I—]

“Do it...please.”

[...You better come back.]

“With a dozen pizzas, mi amigo.”

[Dahlia—no! Whatever it is—]

She cuts D2k18 off and turns to Artio.

“Years ago, Nova taught me a spell only used for the most crucial moments. I think you know what I’m talking about.”

“...It’s a long shot...but we don’t have a choice.”

“W-Wait—what are you—Dahlia, what’s going on?”

“Artio, find Hypno and meet us at the tower. Jax, we’ll need you too.”

“I’m all ears, kid.”  

“I’ll explain on the way. Okay, girl...one last shot. You ready?”

ROAR!

“Let’s do this!”

“Dahlia, wait!”

But R2k18 is too late, as she rides on Nubbins, heading for the threat at hand.

CRACKLE/FZZT/RUMBLE!

The mechanism holding the gem breaks down piece by piece. It doesn’t take long for Dahlia and Jax to regroup with Artio as he brings the hippo mutant with him.

“Think you’re up for one more spell, Hypno?”

“This fellow briefed me in, but I’ll give it a shot.”

Each take a corner, surrounding the weapon. Taking a deep breath, Dahlia conjures material from all around, then transfers it to the rooftop.

WHIRR/SHOO~OOM!

In one fell swoop, a large encryption is drawn from her powers, right under the machinery.

“...‘Ase-rasu...mani-fesu...restori-va-ragul...safa paray’...”

[Ase-rasu...mani-fesu...]

All three chant as their hands glow, the aura emanating to the symbol, then floating up to ensnare the gem inside a giant ball of their combined magic.

“Jax, you open a portal right before it explodes! We’ll force it right out of this dimension!”

WHIRL—WHIRL~!

A strong wind circles, forcing them to dig their feet down from losing balance. Nubbins uses her mantis claws to hold Hypno and Artio, and Jax using his lock to grab Dahlia’s waist.

“Something is happening,” Hypno hollers.

“Stand your ground,” Artio warns, “the stone’s reaching the final peak!”

“C’mon, Jax, where’s that portal!”

“I have to find the right coordinates! I need more time!”

WHIRL/FWOOM!

“Ahh!”

“Dahlia/Kid!”

A powerful force pushes her out of Jax’s hold and off her feet.

ZOOOOMMM!

“Gotcha!”

Out of nowhere, D2k18 flies in for the save.

C-CLACK/CLANG/WHAM!

Using his battle-shell, the claws firmly plant on the concrete as Donnie holds her from behind.

“Donnie?!”

“I told you! I’m not leaving you behind!”

SHAA!

Just then, L2k18 appears from a portal, the others from both sides of the law follow behind. Each support Jax, Artio, and Hypno by forming a line.

“Guys!”

“We’re with you, girl!”

“If you go down fighting—”

“Then so do we!”

WHIRRR~

“I got it,” Jax hollers.

“This oven’s about to blow,” Meat-Sweats shouts.

“I don’t want to explode,” Ghost-Bear whines.

“Twenty seconds people,” D2k18 warns.

“Artio, Hypno—on my mark!”

“Right/Yeah!”

“Twelve seconds and counting!”

“Get ready in three...”

“This better work!”

“Five seconds!”

“Two...”

“Brace yourselves!”

“Here we goooo!”

CRACKLE!

“NOW!”

WARP!

💥🔥KA-BOOOOOMMMM!🔥💥

A black hole appears, just in time before the gem destroys itself.

FWOOM/WHIRL/CRUMBLE/SHATTER!

Despite the gravitational force pushing everything in its way, the three pillars give one final attack.

TOSS!

They throw the bubble of chaos into the portal before it disperses into thin air.

“...Did...did it work?”

“I...think so...”

💨💨WHOO~OOSSSHHH💨💨

At the exact moment, the sky turns back into the night shade, the thundering clouds fall apart, and more importantly...

“Huh/Wha.../Oh my/Ugh...”

The townspeople are brought back to their senses, without a shred of disorderly madness in sight.

“Guys, it worked! We won!”

“Whoo/Aw yeah~/Boom/Alright!”

The turtles from all three dimensions and even the villains, take a moment to celebrate. All except for three people, standing from a far distance.

“So, Jax,” says Dahlia, “where did you send it?”

“To a desolate galaxy. Where no forms of life have been created yet.”

“What are you gonna do now?”

“It won’t be long before the authorities from our dimension track us down. Besides, my DPG (dimensional-portal-gun) is running low, so...”

“You’re turning yourself in?”

“No point in sticking to a plan that’s up in smoke.”

“You could’ve left when you had the chance,” Artio implies.

“Yeah, well...I kinda owed a nosy teen for saving my tail.”

A tiny smile is sent her way, with the same gesture returned. The alien tosses the charm to Artio, then walks over to his comrades.

“I will need the other brooches. Those costed a pretty penny.”

“Yeah, yeah...but...thanks, anyway. I guess, this time, I owe you one.”

The deer yokai reaches into his coat and hands her a gift pouch.

“A little something to remind you of our deal.”

FWIP!

Just then, Dahlia is startled by D2k18 when being pulled to his side, not taking his domineering glare off of Artio for a second.

“Pardon me, but could you tear your filthy hooves off this precious, wonderful, and amazing lady, sir?”  

“Pfft...whatever you say, purple. And Dahlia...”

“I know.”

With a simple nod, Artio raises his hand.

SNAP!

🔥FLARE!🔥

Like that, he fades with the green flames trailing behind.

“Ugh, show off.”

Dahlia takes this time to open the pouch. In her hands is a hairpin, embroidered with multi-colored gems, the centerpiece an aquamarine gemstone, and three-colored feathers.

“Why would Artio give me...this...?”

That’s when she notices a small, folded paper. Flipping one side up, it reveals a short note that leaves the girl gasping in shock.

“What’s it say?”

Instead of answering, Dahlia clutches the note and hairpin close to her.

“I understand now.”

“Um...as much as I pride myself on my intellect, I’m quite stumped on the relaying message, here.”

“I’ll explain later. But first...we have one final mission.”

. . . .

[Moments Later…]

SLASH!

“Got another slice right here!”

“Dibs/Mine!”

SHAA!

“Ha-haa!”

“What/Hey!”

L2k18 snatches the pizza off his doppelganger before warping away from the other Raph’s and sitting on a lounge chair near the trailer.

“Ya can’t win em’ all, mi hermanos.”

“Who wants more lemonade~?”

In the deepest parts of the forest, everyone is celebrating their victory at Todd’s Cuddle Cakes Puppy Rescue Park.

Bark-Bark-Bark!

“Aww~ c’mere you!”

“Best! Day! Ever!”

M2k12 & M2k18 fawn over the puppies that pile on them like a blanket of love.

“Mm...this pizza is way better than the joint we have back home,” Skeet comments.

“How would you know,” Colton jokes, “we haven’t had a decent meal in years.”

“Thanks for letting us in on the fun, kid.”

“Even you guys deserve a little reward.”

“Psst...”

On the sidelines, D2k18 is pulled away from the puppies surrounding him and turns to Todd.

“Now’s your chance, friend.”

“O-Oh, uh...right. Shelldon, if you would.”

[On it, bro.]

The techno turtle hovers above the crowd.

BLAAARRREE!

“Dah/Ahh/Gyahh/Ow!”

Once the blow horn stops, everyone turns to D2k18.

“Ahem...ladies and gentle-turtles...fellow mutants and other worldly beings. I have a crucial and hopefully final decision to be made public. If the lovely lady in pink would kindly step up, please.”

“Here we go/Ooh~/Shh, quiet.”

The three brothers watch in anticipation as Dahlia stands in front of Donnie.

“I’ve been wanting to give you something.”

“Oh, Donnie, you didn’t—”

“Too bad—so act like you’re supposed to be surprised just for dramatic effect.”

Dahlia giggles as Donnie gives the capybara a signal.

FWEE~FWEET!

BARK!

A few awes are heard as Melvin (brown fur with curled tail) walks over wearing a collar with a note tied to it. She kneels down to open the note and instantly brims with joy.

“Oh-mi-gosh...you’re giving me Melvin?!”

“You always said you wanted a pet. Of course, I’ll do my share in pet sitting when you’re in school…”

“I love him! Thank you so much!”  

Donnie holds her hands in his with a sincere smile.

“This past year, you’ve influenced me in more ways than one. You’ve been an ally, a friend, and the only person who could put up with my attitude longer than those dumb-dumbs have.”

“Hey/Ugh/Watch it.”

“But most importantly…you never gave up on me even when I did. You made me question a lot of things, yet every theory, footnotes and logical explanations all ended up with the same answer. And that is…without a doubt…how much I’ve fallen in love with you.”

At this point, Donnie’s brothers have their phones out recording while everyone is waiting in suspense.

“It’s happening, it’s happening~.” 

“Shush, I’m trying to capture the tender moment.”

“Send that to me later.” 

“Do. You. Mind?” 

Donnie sends an annoyed look their way before regaining his composure. 

“So, um...I know we confirmed our feelings earlier, but I thought a few witnesses wouldn’t hurt. Physical proof for future use.”

“Couldn’t resist gloating,” she teases.

“Naturally. But all jokes aside…I need to ask.”

He brings her closer.

“Dahlia Shinzo…would you do me the honor of being my official girlfriend?”

All the anxiety he felt before is now replaced with sheer confidence. Everything he had planned to the last detail, finally leads up to this day. After a brief silence, she reaches up to caress his cheek, expressing all her love in one answer.

“I’d love to, Donatello Hamato.”

🎉BLARE/WHOO/YEAH-HAA!🎉

An uproar of cheers bellows as the terrapin grins, victoriously.

“Yes-yes-yes-yes—YESSS!”

He spins her around as they laugh, then brings her in for a kiss filled with passion and longing.

“Bravo,” Hypnos applauds, “I always knew those two make a marvelous pair.”

“Ay dios mio,” Ghostbear wails, “it’s so beautiful~!”

“Oh, clam sauce—not on the apron!”

Meat-Sweats yanks the fabric away before the overgrown furball uses it for a tissue.

“Atta boy, twin brother!”

“Those are my besties!”

“Your genius son,” Draxum comments, “finally had the backbone to proceed as planned.”

“Obviously takes his charming personality after me,” Splinter proudly states.  

“Whoo-hoo~ go other Donnie!”

“The you from here’s pretty cool, bro. You should take some pointers.”

D2k12 nudges R2k12 as they chuckle.

When the newly appointed couple part ways, they press their foreheads against each other’s.

“Hehe…so, tech-boy…was it worth the wait?”

“I’d replay this chance a million times over, my love.”

SHAA~

“Hm/Huh?”

Suddenly, a portal opens revealing five men in long dark robes.

“That’s our cue, boys.”

The ring leader walks towards Jax.

“Jax of Dimension (XXXX)…”

“Relax man, we’ve been waiting for you. No tricks this time.”

The aliens’ hand themselves over as the men use futuristic neon-glowing cuffs.

“Give me a minute.”

Jax faces the duo.

“Hey, you…you’ve got one heck of a girl right here. Don’t let her slip away from ya.”

“Not in a millennium.”

“Thanks again, Dahlia. This dimension is lucky to have someone like you.”

Though wrists bounded, he reaches out and she gladly shakes his hand. Dahlia turns to the authority leader.

“They helped save our dimension. Will that count for anything in their defense?”

“Perhaps.”

“Oh, and since you’re here, they could use a ride home as well.”

She gestures to the turtle doppelgängers.

“Yes, I see...well, we best get you all back to your proper dimensions, then.”

“We’re going home?”

“Finally!”

“Sewer sweet sewer—here I come!”

“Well, we better say our goodbyes.”

Every turtle meets with their opposites.

“So long little me’s. It was a shell of a ride.”

“Keep being awesome, dudes.”

“Bring it in, fellas! Altogether now!”

CLAP!

“COW-A-BUNGA!”

The Mikey’s high-three with spirit.

“Y’know…yer nothin’ like us.”

“I’m not?”

“Nah…”

R2k12 lightly punches his larger doppelgänger.

“You’re better.”

“Keep it up, man.”

“Heh…you too. Now c’mere~.”

“Woah/Easy big guy!”

R2k18 chokeholds his smaller selves as they smirk.

“—aaand give at least one hour to spend your ‘me-time’ without the thought of training. Maybe then you’ll learn to loosen up and be half as great as me.”

“If you can keep your end of the bargain.”

“Dude I was already an A-Class swordsman. There’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“That’s not what your Mikey said.”

“Not after that “incident” from a certain weekend.”

“Wait what? Oh, that little snitch!”

L2k3/12 laugh as their outgoing-self storming over to his younger brother.

“Thanks for all your help.”

“Did you forget? We’re the smartest minds of our worlds. The others would be lost if they didn’t have the true brains of—”

“Donnie…”

“Okay, okay, this was a team effort.”

“And thank you, Dahlia.”

“We would’ve been turtle soup if you hadn’t found us.”

“And our world would’ve been destroyed if not for your help.”

D2k12 surprises her with a hug.

“I won’t forget what you told me.”

“You better.”

D2k18 leans towards his 2k3 counterpart. 

“Is it weird to be jealous of myself?” 

“Ahaha...”

The turtles regroup with their families just as Splinter is walking towards them.

“If feels weird seeing another Splinter.”

“Brings back a lot of memories.” 

“I understand how you all must feel. Though you may not be my boys…you will always have a place in our family.”

M2k12 lunges in for a hug, making the rat chuckle as the other versions join in.

“Gentlemen…if you please…”

The head authority gestures to the portal. Just before they enter, the turtles look back at their new friends.

“See a later dudes.”

“Get back safe.”

“Until then, guys.”

“We’ll we see you guys again?”

“Hey, we traveled back in time and space before.”

“So we’ll definitely find a way back.”

“Eventually.”

“Let’s have another pizza party at your place!”

“It’s a promise.”

Both versions form a line then bow in respect and gratitude, to which the third party does the same with a smile.

WARP/SHAAA!

In mere seconds, the portal closes, and closing the final chapter to their latest adventure. Dahlia picks up Melvin and turns around.

“C’mon guys…let’s go home.”

That word never felt right as they head for the Turtle Tank.

“Um, do you mind if we hitch a ride as well?”

“As long as you don’t touch anything.”

“Or try to kill us.”

“Like always.”

“You try to make a delicious meal out of turtles, and you’re labeled a murderous foodie for life.”

“Ooh! I like another of those ice creams with sprinkles!”

“You almost ate the entire dispenser on the way here!”

Following behind, Donnie and Dahlia watch in amusement as the group argues amongst themselves.

“Some things never change.”

“I’m glad something did, though.”

Donnie puts an arm around Dahlia as they blush, timidly.

“Hey...”

“Yeah?”

“Knowing there’s other versions of you and your brothers...I wonder what my counterpart is like in their worlds.”

“Good question. Well, one way or another, I’m sure they’ll see ‘you’ in no time.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Easy...”

Donnie steals a kiss to the cheek.

“You’re meant to be with us.”

Though a little corny, Dahlia smiles at the wholesome comment.

“I think so, too.”

In their hearts, they know that someday it will happen, and be together with everyone like they are now. As a family.

. . . . . .

TO BE CONTINUED...IN THE FINALE...

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 8

Hi guys! Thanks for your support! Here’s the next chapter in ‘Turtle Rush’. Hope you like it. Stay safe, healthy, and in ghostly spirits!

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[New York, 8:35 pm...]

BLAAAAARRRREEE!!

“Move it, already!”

HONK—HONK~!

DING!

“Order up!”

“And so I was, like—and then, you know...”

As the city that never sleeps continues its nighttime entertainment, it’s oblivious to those who are about to change the course of everything.

“Is everyone in position?”

[East wing reporting, Jax. Meat-Sweats and I are on point. Skeet?]

[West wing, here. I’m with the abominable bear ready and waiting.]

[I’m Ghost-Bear, not a bomb!]

[I said a-bo-mi-na-ble, ya moron! Or do you have trouble hearing through that old rag you call a mask?]

[Come te atreves, cara de pezscado apestoso! (How dare you stinky fish face!)]

[Speak—not spit, you overgrown furball!]

[Here we go/Ridiculous...]

Jax groans while signing off his communicator. He then turns to Hypno.

“Did you memorize the incantation?”

“Fear not, my lad.”

The mutant gestures to the symbol drawn on the rooftop they stand in.

“This ritual you set up is quite impressive. And with the gemstone from that ferocious lion you snatched, it will enhance the spell’s energy force to spread over the entire city. Uh, speaking of which...don’t you think one of us should be guarding it? No doubt those presumptuous turtles will return.”

“I need you to assist me in casting the spell. Besides, Colton planted an electrocuted forcefield as an extra measure.”

Jax looks to the sky where the moon is nearly at its peak.

“Begin the ritual.”

“Right-o, boss. Oh, I can’t wait to tell Warren when he gets back from the newsreel convention.”

WHIIIIRRRR~

Hypno warps his magic as it transfers to the symbol, giving off an eerie afterglow. While their plan is in motion, another has already begun the moment they stepped foot on city grounds.

FWOOM~

KA-THUNK!

“How’s it going, guys? Talk to me.”

[Team-B, reporting, other April. We’re heading for the east point.]

[Dudes~ they’re glowing! Creepy glowing stuff is never good!]

[Calm down, shell-fer-brains. Team-C, here...we’re almost at the west wing.]

“Does everyone know the plan?”

[Stop the bad guys from finishing the spell.]

[And if that fails?]

[Stall long enough for the others to get here in time.]

“They’re already on their way. And so are we.”

April turns to Leo2k12 and Draxum, a.k.a., Team-A.

“Think you can break that barrier Drax?”

“Child’s play, O’Neil.”

“We’ll distract Jax while you do,” L2k12 advises.

“Then, let’s go bust some fishmen! Team April on the move!”

“Wait, that’s why you wanted us to be Team-A?”

FWIP!

All teams head for their targets, unaware that their friends have just arrived through an unusual exit from the Hidden City.

CREAK~

Dahlia looks around before looking back down.

“All clear.”

She gets out of the dumpster before the others climb up by a rope.

“Ugh...can’t exits look more like an exit?”

“Try getting spat out of a mystic book. Are the comms’ ready, Donato?”

“Just need to link to the others’ communication devices and...”

Beep!

“Got it!”

“Nice work, Don.”

“Wooooaaahh...”

Mikey2k12 gets their attention as they see the sky turn a different color, a beam of light connecting to the gemstone.

“They’re already halfway through the ritual.”

“Not for long. Let’s go smash those overgrown sardines.”

“Raging Red, you’re on the west wing. Michael, you take the east. Donato, you help Draxum take down the barrier. Get the gemstone, and the spell will break.”

“With these new mystic gloves Brutus and I built, it should withstand the high temperature levels of the firestone to retrieve with minimal damage.”

“Blue and I will head for the south where Jax is.”

“Not ‘Nardo’ anymore,” L2k3 jokes.

“Meh, it gets old fast,” Dahlia shrugs.

They put on their ear-comms and ready their weapons.

“We’ve got a city to save.”

“Michael...do the honors.”

“Booyakasha!”

FWOOM!

CLANG—CLANG!

“Hah! Is that the best ya got, frog boy?”

Skeet dodges Raph2k3’s attack.

“That’s ‘turtle’ ta you, ya overgrown shrimp!”

“Ya got that right!”

FWIP-FWIP-FWIP!

KICK/OOF!

A swift kick in the face sends Skeet stumbling as Raph2k12 swoops in.

“Did I miss the fun?”

“Nah, we’re just warming up. Right big guy?”

“Buddy~!”

GRIP/ACK!

Franken-Foot brings Raph2k12 into a bone-crushing hug.

“G-Good to see you too, buddy. But you know who else needs a hug?”

Pointing his thumb to Skeet, Franken-Foot laughs with glee.

“Hey, what the—AHH!"

CRUSH!

“G-Get off me, you stupid paperweight!”

Both Raph’s fist-bump as the giant origami squeezes him relentlessly.

“SURPISE~!”

SHAA!

R2k3 pulls his doppelganger in time before Ghostbear lands a punch.

“Coming atcha!”

CLANK/WHIRL!

M2k3 links his nunchucks with M2k12’s, swinging him over his shoulder.

“Wuaahhh!”

SMACK/URGH!

Colton runs right into Meat-Sweats, sending both crashing into a ventilator.

“Awesome entrance, lil’ me!”

“High-three!”

“Hey dudes,” Shelldon cuts ins, “hate to break up the celebration but...”

WHIRRR~

“Uhh/Aw, snap.”

Their faces pale when Colton brings out the big guns.

C-CLACK/WARP/CLANG/SHACK!

Literally.

“HIT THE DIRT!”

⚡PHEEEEWWW!

UWAA/DAHH/AAHHH!

💥KABOOM!💥

At the center of it all, both Donnie’s and Draxum work on disabling the barrier.

“This thing is like ‘Fort Knox’ tight,” D2k12 grunts.

“Any invention could have a technicality with just one slipup,” D2k3 advises, “there has to be a vulnerable point in the—"

“Ahem.”

Coughing, Draxum snaps them out of their calculating process.

“Does that count?”

Pointing his thumb, they see the oval-shaped plaque lodged in one of the rails.

“Give us a boost.”

Draxum uses his chlorokinesis to summon a vine and lifts the Donnie’s up. Reaching the plaque, Donnie2k3 uses a screwdriver to unlatch the top. However, it reveals an empty black screen. No buttons, no wires, no nothing.

“...That’s it?!”

“A high-tech security system I’ve ever seen...but what triggers the discharge?”

“Well, we can’t press any codes.”

“Voice activation?

“Fingerprints?”

That’s when the answer stares straight at them. By a mere reflection.

“(Unison)Face recognition!”

“Mikey! Mikey—come in!”

[Little busy, D!]

SLICE—SLASH!

M2k3 ducks Colton’s laser sword while M2k12 hangs on to Shelldon as Meat-Sweats chases them.

[Listen. You need to get Colton to us.]

“And that’s a good thing—why?”

SLICE!

M2k3 goes stiff as a board, nearly escaping the retractable chainsaw in front of him.

[The barrier is facial recognition. We need Colton to disengage it.]

“How are we supposed to get him up there,” Mikey2k12 exclaims, frantically.

[Just do what you do best.]

“Eat a dozen pizzas in five minutes?”

“Skate on top of the Brooklyn Bridge?”

[Annoy the shell out of everyone!]

“Now—that—we’re the experts on!”

“Let’s do this, brah!”

WHAM!

“Urgh!”

RATTLE!

“I gotcha Leon!”

April swerves left and swung her baseball bat sideways.

CLUNK!

“Oh no.”

TOSS/WOAH!

“April!”

WHIP!

“Ngh!”

Leo2k12 and April get caught in Jax’s dreadlock tentacles.

“My associates and I made it this far.”

WHIRL—BLAM!

He slams them onto a water tower. No swords or bats can cut, bruise, or even make a dent on the indestructible hairs.

“I’m not going to let a bunch of kids get in our way.”

“Wanna bet!”

💥KAPOW!

Out of nowhere, Dahlia and L2k3 barge in, riding on the muscle-version of Fable as he swats Jax like a mosquito. Free from the entanglement, L2k12 and April run to their friends.

“You made it!”

“How are you feeling Dahlia?”

“Better than ever. Now we just n—"

“Look out!”

BLAM!

Jax jabs two of his impenetrable dreadlocks towards them.

“April! Leon! You got Hypno!”

“Gotcha, girl!”

FWOOM!

L2k3 lunges towards Jax.

“Haven’t you learned your lesson back in the forest?”

“I did!”

⚔SLASH!

WARP!

The terrapin leader shocks his enemy as he disappears into a portal.

WARP!

KER-BLAM!

Then reappearing from behind.

SLIDE!

Jax tumbles, but gets back on his feet, facing L2k3 with the o-dachi in hand.

TWIRL~

A low toss of the weapon forces Jax to jump sideways.

CLANG!

Right when Dahlia grabs the blade and swings.

WARP/FZZT/SHACK!

SHOOM!

Three portals open as metal pillars fly out.

CLANG/URGH!

WARP!

Jax gets pushed into another portal, before getting pinned on the ground below. Dahlia and L2k3 high-five/three. April and L2k12 hoot to them after binding Hypno’s hands and legs together.  

“Nice moves, guys!”

“Got a few pointers from her.”

“Naturally. Considering you’re the one who got us into that mess.”

“Fair enough.”

[Ringtone]

“C-hello~.”

[Yo, Dahlia! Get a load of this!]

On facetime, Shelldon points the camera where both Mikey’s are performing a comical fight.

[C’mon, piggy, piggy! Try and catch me!]

[Hold still so I can dice you!]

[Keep dreaming, potbelly porkchop!]

[I fought an overgrown sushi that moves faster than you, fishpaste!]

[That’s Colton to you!]

[At least he had a cooler villain name!]

[Why you—]

WHACK!

The four cringes but chuckle when Meat-Sweats swings his tenderizer hammer at Colton instead.

[Got him/Aw, yeah!]

“Nice job, wild cards.”

[Gotta make a delivery run! Later girl!]

Beep!

“We better get a move on, too.”

RUMBLE!

Suddenly, the sound of thunder roars in the skies.

⚡CRACKLE!⚡

A flash of lightning strikes the gem.

SHOO—SHOO—SHOO!

Three beams of light shine onto each symbol they stand in.

SHAAA~

The civilians look up, witnessing the glowing green fog that fills the night.

SHAA—SHAA!

That’s when things take a turn for the worse. The particles of the fog fly around like balls of fire.

WARP/AHH/WARP/GASP/WARP!

Like spirits, they possess the bodies, causing them to scream uncontrollably.

“Nice try, kids.”

Jax climbs up, dusting himself off before freeing Hypno.

SHATTER!

The teens watch as people break into shops stealing items, destroying property, and even fighting each other.

“What’s happening?”

“They’re going berserk.”

“The Subpoena of Madness.”

SHAA!

Dahlia disappears then reappears in front of Jax, grasping the hem of his coat.  

“How did you get that spell?!”

“When you travel from one dimension to another, you find secrets in many strange places.”

WARP!

“Hey/Dahhh!”

WARP!

“Gasp/Woah!”

Using his magic, Hypno traps April and the turtles in bubbles, floating midair.

“That spell is too much for amateurs to handle,” Dahlia warns.

“Why do you think I brought the hippo?”

“You don’t understand! The more the fog spreads, it won’t be long till—”

SHAA!

“Gasp!”

WHOOSH!

“Dahlia/Mr. Jax!”

That’s when they’re hit by the green mist, pulling them apart.

“Dahh/Urk/Ahh!”

The same happens to the sea creatures and mutants, and the others are free from their magic prison.

Dahlia stumbles to get up.

“D-Draxum...find them.”

“You’ve been infected. I have to—”

“There’s no time! Mayhem!”

“Wait—no!”

SWOOSH!

The mystic yokai portals him and Draxum to who knows where.

BA-DUMP!

“Ack...u-urgh...”

But then, a surge of energy stirs in Dahlia. Her heart races, hands tremble, flashes of colors disorienting her vision.

SCHULP/SHOOM!

“GYYAAAHHH!!”

BAM/CLATTER/CRUMBLE!

All of a sudden, her powers burst like wild fire, lashing out at everything.

“Dahlia, stop!”

“April, what’s wrong with her?!”

“She told me about this spell. This doesn’t just bring chaos and destruction; it turns you into the worst version of yourself. She must be having one of her past episodes as a kid when she couldn’t control her powers.”

“Snap out of it, Dahlia!”

“You’re gonna hurt yerself, kid!”

“Wait—what’s she doing?”

Despite the struggles, Dahlia raises her arm up, with a vine of her powers forming behind her.

“Don’t—”

THWACK!

The back of her neck is struck, and she falls face-down. Her powers slowly diffuse.

“Dude! I-Is she—”

“It’s okay, Mikey, she knocked herself out on purpose. Now we can—"

ROAR/SCREECH/RAAA!

The villains cut them off, but they aren’t in the right mind. behaving like savages. 

“Aw, snap—I forgot about them!”

“Any ideas?!”

“Yeah...RUUNNN!”

CRASH!

“Grab her!”

WHIRL—WHIRL!

By April’s orders, Frankenfoot extends his arm and carries Dahlia.

“Get ready to jump!”

“From here?!”

“We don’t have a choice!”

RUMBLE!

“Now!”

SCREEEEEECCCHH!

“AAHHHH~!!”

They plunge over the edge.

🚨BLAARRREE!!

KA-THUNK!

Suddenly, they’re spotted by a giant vehicle riding its way in.

“Huh/Gasp/Woah!”

RATTLE!

“Dahh/Ahh!”

A chain lasso and pulls everyone into the metal behemoth.

THUMP!

The turtles groan in pain while April quickly stands up.

“About time you guys.”

“C’mon, April, y’know we like to make a grand entrance.”

Both dimensional versions gawk at their third doppelgangers.

“What do you know,” L2k18 smirks, “even in other worlds, I still got my ruggish good looks.”

“Dude...”

“Yeah, no kiddin’.”

“Woah~ cool!”

M2k12 circles R2k18, awestruck. Though not aloud, R2k12 felt a little envious and intimated by his other self’s stature.

“He’s twice as big and buff as you are, bro! I bet he benches a truck, yo!”

“Ehehe...you’re still the same ‘Mikey’ alright.”

R2k18 awkwardly pats the smaller Mikey’s head. Meanwhile, D2k3 and D2k12 marvel at the interior tech installed.

“This is magnificent.” 

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“The old Turtle Tank has its charm,” L2k18 comments.

“Look, D’, this Donnie’s got a gap like mine. We’re twinsies!”

KA-SHACK!

M2k18 takes a snapshot of him and D2k12.

“Um, if you’re done, we need to—”

“Omi-gosh—Dahlia!?”

“Who?! Where is she?! Out of the way!”

D2k18 pushes past everyone and gasps Dahlia in Franken-Foot’s arms. From the way his face drops, his brothers have a bad feeling about this.

C-Click!

“Uhh, Donnie...?”

“What are—"

SHACK/FLARE/VRRR/CLANG!

“Woah, woah—easy Don!”

R2k18 shields everyone when his brother activates the lethal protocol on his tech-bo.

“Alright, fess up! Which one of you posers got her into this mess?!”

“Woah~ this Donnie’s got issues.”

“You’re first, mister know-it-all!”

“Dahh, not the face!” 

“Will you relax,” April huffs, “she got hit by that mystic fog and lost control.”

D2k18 narrows his eyes as he disengages his staff before giving them a stern warning. He then turns to Franken-Foot and grabs Dahlia. The shift makes her grumble before her eyes open.

“Dahlia...‘Lia, it’s me...”

Staring back, her eyes widen in shock.

“Don...”

“Thank Galileo. You okay?”

“I...I think so.”

“Good.”

GRIP!

“BECAUSE YOU GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK!!”

D2k18 shakes her shoulder then paces around the tank.

“First getting lost in the middle of the woods, followed by the engine’s explosion, marooning us, then—”

As he rants like a madman, Dahlia hears someone clear their throat and looks to D2k12. He bobs his head over to his frantic opposite, and she catches on to his message of encouragement.

“—not to mention the constant jibber jabber of your dumb-dumb brothers doing their dumb-dumb stuff when they’re supposed to be—"

GLOMP!

D2k18 is cut off when Dahlia tackles him with her arms around his neck to pull him down.

💜💋SMOOCH~💋💜

Everyone reacts differently as they witness the romantic kiss scene. Knowing things have calmed down, Dahlia leans back, giggling at D2k18 who’s over the moon.

“I missed you too, Donnie.”

A genuine smile appears as D2k18 holds her by the waist, bringing them closer.

“Aww~...I knew this moment would come.”

“Finally! This secret was getting on my nerves. Y’know he was actually gonna ask y—mph!”

D2k18’s spider shell extends one arm to cover his obnoxious twin’s blabbering mouth.

“Ahem!”

From the driver’s seat, Draxum and Splinter give a smug look their way.

“Uh~ dad, I...we were just, um...”

“What took you so long? I was beginning to think purple would never stop rambling on about you, even in his sleep.” 

“Dad!/Hehe...”

“So~ what now,” M2k3 asks, “we got a whole city full of people going loco.”

“We just need to recapture Colton,” L2k12 advises, “so we can take down the barrier and grab the stone.”  

“And just how are we gonna do that,” R2k3 argues, “in case ya hadn’t noticed, we got our shells kicked. Again.”

“Man, we’re really off our game.” 

“We’ll need more firepower.”

“But who can we get on short notice?”

“I think it’s time to execute Plan N.”

“Ohhh boy.”

“Not Plan N!”

“You promised you wouldn’t unless it was an emergency!”

“And this doesn’t count?”

“What’s Plan N?”

SCREECH!

Everyone yelps when the tank comes to a halt.

“Augh—a little warning next time, Drax.”

“Why’d you stop?”

“We have company.”

They walk over to the wide pan windshield, the headlights shining on the stranger.

“Who...is that?”

“It can’t be...”

“Something wrong?”

But to Dahlia and Donnie, they’re all too familiar.

“...Artio?”

.

.

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 3

Hey guys! I’m back with another chapter to Turtle Rush. Again, drawings will be included as, either sketch or colored finish panels, so be on the lookout for reblogs of this series. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits!

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.

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>>>>>>>NEXT DAY>>>>>>>

BIP-BIP—BIP...BIP-BIP—BIP!

“...Mm...”

Opening her eyes, Dahlia hears the alarm on her phone. She slowly reaches for her phone and turns it off. Reading the lock screen, it’s 8 in the morning.

Rustle~

She sits up, stretching her arms out and yawns.

“Aw man...I had the weirdest dream—”

💥CLATTER/CRASH!

Before she could finish, she runs out of the spare room on the top floor and into the middle-deck. Following the sound, she finds the kitchen a mess, supplies and boxed food piled across the room.

Clunk-Clunk!

“Ahh~ help me! I’m drowning in delicious food!”

“O-kay~ it’s not a dream...”

Dahlia quickly reaches in and pulls Mikey2k12 out.

“What are you doing?”

“I, uh, got hungry so I thought I’d make breakfast for me and everyone.”

Bonk!

A cereal box plops on his head, making him chuckle sheepishly.

“You can leave the cooking to me while you wake everyone up. Deal?”

“Like a turtle do! Be right back!”

She laughs as Mikey2k12 skips out of the kitchen.

.

.

.

[Moments Later...]

SLICE!

FSSH~

Chop-Chop-Chop-Chop-Chop

From the table, the turtles watch as Dahlia cooks eggs, bacon, and fluffy pancakes. When finished, Dahlia puts everything on the counter.

“Dig in, guys.”

“Yes/Thank you~!”

Dahlia goes to the sink to wash the dishes while everyone eats. While doing so, she keeps thinking to herself about these strange events.

‘So...theories become reality. Then again, we’re practically living proof of things we never thought existed.’

Her hands become still in the running water, wondering if she’s not going in over her head in this dilemma.

“(Whispers)Just get a move on!”

“(Whispers)Alright, I got it.”

Hearing someone come, she continues her duties. Though without eye-contact, she can tell who it is by their voice.

“Hey.”

“Oh, hey Leonardo.”

“You can call me Leo if you want. Need some help?”

“Uh...sure. You wash, I’ll rinse.”

Dahlia slides over and hands Leo2k3 a sponge.

C-Clink

“... ...”

“... ...”

“Psst!”

Leo2k3 looks over his shoulder and sees his brother Raph make a face with arms crossed. Leo deadpans, raising his brow-line before turning back.

“Dahlia...”

“Yeah?”

“I want to apologize for my behavior last night. I didn’t even thank you yet for saving us.”

“Don’t worry about it, Leo. I’m sorry for making you sleep in the living room, but with the guys and Splinter gone, I don’t want anyone touching their stuff.”

“It’s alright. Mind if ask something?”

“Shoot.”

“What are they like? The other us.”

“Oh, well...Raph is the oldest. He’s not as hot-tempered as those Raphael’s, but he’s got the heart of a leader with full support and encouragement as he is overprotective.”

“And the other me?”

“Easy: he’s rebellious, charismatic, carefree, and a joke-loving maniac.”

“Sounds like Mikey.”

“Well, that too, but Mikey has his savage moments.”

“Raph-level savage,” Leo2k3 jokes.

“Not sure,” Dahlia snickers, “but he is straight-to-the-point and often snaps if you’re not careful. But he does have a similar tooth-gap like that other Donnie over there.”

“What about—"

“Donnie-boy? Hah!...he’s full-on sassy, reckless, sometimes emotionless, and obsessed science kind of guy. And since he and Leo are twins, they’re always on each other’s case.”

“You weren’t kidding when you said they’re our polar opposites,” Leo2k3 laughs.

“...Leo...April and I will do everything we can to get you back to your real home. I promise.”

“Thank you, Dahlia. Truth be told, my brothers and I have been in this situation before.”

“Really?”

“Oh, you’d be surprised.”

They dry their hands after finishing.

“Hey, Dahlia! There’s a note on this cupboard for you!”

Dahlia comes over to grab the note and read it aloud.

“Dear Dahlia...I restocked some of your favorite ice cream in the fridge. If you need the first-aid, there’s one in the shelf. If any bad guys or creeps follow you at night, take Shelldon with you. I also got you extra pillows and blankets in your room. You can even borrow that giant stuffed bear you got me last year on my birthday to snuggle with.”

Both Mikey’s snicker in the background, much to both Raph’s dismay.

“Don’t overwork yourself and just relax. We’ll see you soon...Love, Raph and the Mad Dogs.”

“Who’s the Mad Dogs?”

“That’s what we call ourselves.”

“You even get a cool team name? Lucky!”

“Better than mighty mutants.”

Leo2k12 frowns at Raph2k12’s smirk.

“I knew Raph was a big softie,” Mikey2k3 leers, mischievously, “got any other hobbies besides, knitting, Raphie~?”

“Yeah...”

Pound—Pound!

“Punching.”

“HAAAH!”

ZIP!

“C’mere, Mikey! Take it like a turtle!”

They watch the older-looking brothers run around the room.

LATCH!

“AHH/HEY!”

CLUNK!

Taking a fall, they realize something wrapped around their ankles. Dahlia walks up as they’re being lifted up by her powers.

“Did I also mention that the brothers usually support each other without minimal, judgmental violence involved?”

Eventually, she lets them free.

“But if you’re not convinced, I’ll let Franken-Foot do the talking.”

“Franken—who now?”

.

.

[Moments Later...]

SQUEEZE~

“Buddies~!”

CRUSH!

“Ooh/Urgh!”

Dahlia watches in amusement as the origami-ninja has every turtle in a bone-crushing hug.

“Ack!...O-Okay...we get it.”

“I’m sorry...you want another hug? You heard it buddy. Give ‘em some more love.”

The patchwork laughs with glee as he tightens his hold on them.

“For a ball of paper he’s—urgh...got one heck of a grip.”

“Can’t...feel...face.”

“Pay attention, cause I’m only gonna say this once: Sure, playful bantering is fine, but if you get serious on me with all this physical...mental...emotional drama...I will whoop you all the way down to the Hidden City. Capeesh?”

“W-We promise, Dahlia.”

“Swear it on my own shell.”

“...Meh, good enough.”

Snap!

THUMP!

With one nonverbal command, Franken-Foot lets them go as they breathe like their life depended on it.

WHIRR~

That’s when Shelldon glides in.

“We’re up and ready to go, Dahlia!”

“Perfect timing.”

“What’s going on?”

“Since you’re stuck here for a while, you can hang out in the lair until I get back.”

“From where?”

“Shopping. I’m gonna need some of you to go on recon with me during the day to find the information we need. So, you’ll need some new threads to go incognito. Shelldon, get their measurements.”

“On it!”

FWIP!

“Hey!”

ZIP!

“Haha—that tickles!”

The android zooms up, down, left, right, all around using a tape measure and his scanner.

“Calculating now.”

Bleep...Bloop...Bleep...DING~!

“Measurements complete. All good to go.”

He gives her a piece of paper.

“Thanks, Shelly. Keep an eye on these ‘troublemakers’.”

“Can do.”

“You don’t have to go through all that trouble for us,” says Donnie2k3.

“I don’t mind. There’s this new store I’ve been dying to check out, anyway. Well, brb with the duds, boys. Don’t break anything.”

“Cross our shells.”

Dahlia waves her hand out as she leaves through a tunnel. Shelldon floats in front of the turtles.

“Alright, my bros, let’s get this party started.”

“Whoo~ I’m all in for the arcade!”

“Count me in! What do you say, little me, one-on-one on the Carlynator?”

“Oh, it’s on, yo! Get ready to eat my dust!”

“I’m gonna stay out ‘ere and workout,” Raph2k3 says, “hey, short-stack, feel like you’re up for some sparrin’?”

“Hey, I can still kick your butt no problem.”

“Heh, we’ll see about that.”

Leo2k3 glances at the shorter him, points his thumb out and receives a nod that they’re thinking the same thing.

“What about you, Donnie?”

“I don’t know,” Donnie2k3 shrugs, “maybe read some books?”

“It’s in Donnie’s lab over there.”

Shelldon points one propellor to the door.

“Great,” Donnie2k12 smiles, “we can hang out in there—”

“Woah~ hold on, dudes. You don’t wanna do that.”

“Why not?”

Shelldon uses his head to bounce a ball up and send it to the front entrance.

C-Clack

🔪SLASH!

“(Unison)Gasp!”

💥BLAM!

“AHH!”

🔥🔥FLARE~!🔥🔥

“Holy chalupa/What the shell?!”

They gawk as the ball is reduced to million pieces of ash.

“Well...in that case...hey Mikey! Let’s make it a team round!”

 .

.

.

[Hours Later...]

FWIP!

“Hah!”

“Ngh!”

FLIP!

THUMP/URGH!

“Haha~ gotcha again, short-stack.”

“Oh~ snap! Total beat down for the twentieth time, bro!”

“Shut it, Mikey!”

Raph2k3 steps back as Raph2k12 gets up from the ground. Across from them, the Leo’s are still sparring, not showing any signs of backing off.

“Not bad, little me.”

“Well, I am you, technically.”

FWIP!

GRAB!

Leo2k12 grips his alter-ego’s arm and gets him off balance by swinging him over his shoulder.

WHIRL!

“Ahh!”

TUMBLE!

But Leo2k3 takes him down as well and locks him with a joint-lock.

“You’re right...we are alike. But a little more technique next time, okay?” 

“Ugh...noted.”

“Good hustle, guys.”

“Thanks, Don.”

“And how’s our Donnie doing?”

“Still trying to find a solution?”

“Well, no one said it would be easy,” Donnie2k12 implies, “I’ve tried calculating every possible way, but...”

“Aw man, I hate when there’s a ‘but’ in a sentence.”

“We could track those robbers and get one of their ray guns.”

“I see,” Donnie2k3 hums, “if we could get our hands on one, then we might be able modify it and send us back to our worlds. “

“Great. There’s just one problem: we’re still marooned ‘ere.”

“Taller me has got a point.”

“Oh, then what do you suggest?”

“Something that isn’t as crazy as your screwball idea.”

“Seriously? Do you really need to—”

“I’m back, guys!”

They turn to a tunnel and see Dahlia coming out.

“Hey, girl, how was the—woah, what are those?!”

Mikey2k3 points at the small, pudgy creatures holding shopping bags like she is.

“Oh, sorry. This is my familiar, Fable.”

SWISH—SWISH—SIWSH!

Fable’s body doubles disperse, and he stands in front of Leo2k12, shaking his hand.

“Um...nice to meet you, Fable.”

“Aw~ he’s so cute.”

“Oh, he’s not just cute.”

SHLUP~

The turtles watch as Fable turns into a thin, tall version.

“He’s also good in a tight jam.”

SHLUP!

The familiar then turns into his muscular form.

“Woah-ho-ho! Now that’s cool!”

“Thanks, little buddy. Get some rest.”

SHAA~

Fable disappears into thin air.

“I thought April would’ve helped you with shopping.”

“She’s currently on the hunt for a job. Again. Anyway...”

Dahlia puts the bag in front of everyone and picks one up.

“To make this easy on us, I’ll give you guys some nicknames; less confusing. That cool?”

“Sure/Alright.”

“I’ll start with the shorter turtles. Michael, this one’s yours.”

“Sweet~!”

Mikey2k12 grabs it and hugs Dahlia.

“For you, you’re more of a Leon to me. Hope I got the right fit.”

“Thank you, Dahlia,” Leo2k12 bows.

“What about me?”

“Hmm...you do have certain traits different from Raph’s...how about Red Rover?”

“🤨...”

“I’m kidding,” Dahlia laughs, “let’s call you Raging Red.”

“Meh, works for me.”

Raph2k12 fist-bumps Dahlia and takes the bag before the gap-toothed turtle comes up.

“I don’t think Donald is the right one for you, so let’s use his codename: Purple Rain.”

“Not the worst thing I’ve been called. Thanks.”  

“Okay, you’re up tall ones.”

“What’s my nickname? I bet it’s totally rad.”

“Hmm...I’m thinking either Angelo or—”

“I’ll take it! Thanks, sweet-cheeks!”

Mikey2k3 swiftly takes his bag.

“Donnie?”

“Right here.”

“How do you feel about the name ‘Donato’?”

“Well...Donato is another variation of Donatello. I like it.”

Leo2k3 steps up.

“Not sure if you can find one for me.”

“Don’t be so sure Leo...or should I say....Blue-nardo.”

“Pfft!”

Leo2k3 frowns at his brothers’ snickering.

“Or~ I could call you Blue Bishop.”

The blue-clad thinks on that before cringing a little.

“As less corny as that sounds, I’ll take the first one.”

“You sure? I was just trying to get back at you but—”

“Let’s just say it reminds me of someone we had history with.”

“If you say so.”

“Hope ya got a better one for me.”

“Don’t worry~, I gotcha covered...Red King.”

“A leader and a cool alias? This other Raph’s got it made.”

Dahlia playfully chuckles at that remark.

“I call the bathroom! See ya slowpokes!”

“Hey, don’t hog it all to yourself!”

“We’ll try them in the living room.”

“While you’re doing that, I’ll get lunch ready. Does sandwiches sound good?”

“Sure, we—”

“Hey, Dahlia!”

“Yes, Angelo?”

“What’s a sword doing in the bathroom?”

“A what in the where now?”

Dahlia runs up the skate-ramp and leaps onto the second floor, then uses her powers to give an extra boost to the top. Rushing over, her face drops when seeing the weapon in Mikey2k3’s hand.

“I-I...y...t-that—URGH~!”

The guys watch as she lets out a frustrated yet forced chuckle as her eye twitches.

FWIP!

Swiping the sword, she storms a few feet away and dials the number.

BEEP~

[Ola~ you reached Neon Leon. You know the drill.]

BEEP~

“Hey, Leo, it’s your karaoke buddy calling. Hope you’re doing okay and not bored out of your mind, buuu~t maybe this will perk you up when I say—I’M GONNA TURN YOU INTO A TURTLE KEBAB! If you don’t know what I mean, you’ll soon find out...if you live to see it! 🎵Props to your brothers and dad—okay, bye~.”

Hanging up, she doesn’t see the tiny fear in everyone else’s eyes caused by her mood-changing, threating message. Only Leo2k12 is brave enough to come forward.

“...So~...mind telling—”

“Ugh~!”

Dahlia shocks him when she dramatically whines into his shoulder.

“U-Uh, okay...um...what’s happening?”

“Leon, if the Donnie’s get a hold on time-traveling gear, let’s switch you with our Leo during weekends.”

“Wait, what?”

“Why is my bestie so fun-loving but such an idiot?!”

Leo2k12 awkwardly smiles while patting her back.

“I’m guessing it has something to do with the sword,” Mikey2k3 whispers.

Dahlia groans as she holds the odachi up.

SHWING!

“Woah/Gasp!”

They gawk at the glowing, blue circle as an emotionless Dahlia falls in.

SHWING!

“What the shell?!”

SHWING!

POOF!

The turtles see her land on a beanbag chair on the main floor before the glowing light fades.

“Okay...what is going on?!”

“Mystic weapon,” Dahlia replies, dimly, “odachi with portal-generating magic, blah, blah, blah...”

“Say whaaa~?!”

“Does all of our alter-egos carry magic weapons?”

“Except Donnie.”

“And your Leo left it behind? In the bathroom?!”

“But this is great,” Donnie2k12 hollers, “if we use this sword to harness the teleportation then—”

“Hold it!”

“W-What—what did I say?!”

Donnie2k12 puts his hands up in defense as Dahlia points the odachi at him.

“First off, I know mystic weapons cause of my dad, so I know how dangerous these things are for amateurs. Leo’s barely managing this himself. Who’s to say that you’ll end up in some monster’s belly or somewhere worse if you tried it?”

“True, true...but~ that’s where you come in.”

“Right,” Donnie2k3 pitches in, “you can use it to open portals for us.”

“So, I’m the guinea pig?”

“We didn’t say that.”

“A lab rat.”

“We didn’t say that either.”

“You were thinking it.”

Donnie2k12 leans towards Leo2k3.

“Mayday, mayday, we’re losing her, Nardo.”

“Look, Dahlia, I understand your concern.”

Leo2k3 walks towards her.

“But this might be our chance to find our way back. And we’re not sure if those thieves will ever show up here anytime soon.”

Dahlia holds the odachi close while sighing.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t risk endangering you guys. Believe me...I’ve seen this happen before.”

“Dahlia—”

“That’s why...”

“...?”

“I’ll be the one to enter the portals, not you. To make sure it’s safe.”

“Dahlia, what if you get stranded?”

“She won’t be,” Mikey2k12 chirps, “we’ll tie a rope around her. If trouble comes knockin’, she tugs, we pull her back here, repeat the cycle. Full proof, am I right, dudes?”

“Uh, yeah...it is.”

“Nice goin’, little Mike.”

Raph2k3 brings Mikey2k12 in a chokehold while giving him a noogie.

“You’re a lot smarter than you put on.”

“Hey~ was that an insult towards me,” Mikey2k3 whines.

“Knucklehead.”

“(Scoffs)Rude!”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Hueso gave me intel, so let’s check out the spots as a backup plan.”

“She’s right, bros,” Raph2k12 agrees, “I’m okay with this portal thing, but not if something jumps out at us first.”

“Then we better get started.”

“Guess who’s back guys!”

“April.”

“What up, girl!”

Dahlia walks towards her.

“Woah, hold up, is that—”

“Mind helping with lunch?”

“Sure, but what’s—”

“Here’s the thing....”

The girls head to the kitchen as Dahlia explains.

.

.

.

[Meanwhile...]

At Central Park, the mutated villains are meeting with the thieves just below the Belvedere Castle near the rocky terrain.

“Are you sure this is safe,” Hypno questions.

“Relax, no can see or hear us. I put up a cloaking perimeter.”

“You lads better have a good reason to drag me away from my hunt.”

“Mr. Swaggart...”

The leader comes forward.

“Rest assured you’ll get back to your meal once you agree to our terms.”

“And what might that be?”

“Do we get share of the deal, too?”

“Oh, you’ll have more than that.”

WHIRR~

He presses his watch as a holographic image appears with three different locations.

“Time is on our side, gentlemen.”

SHACK!

Drawing the weapon, he points it towards the photos of Dahlia and the turtles.

“And with your help, we will pull off the biggest heist of the century and dominate everything in it.”

BANG!

SHWING!

He twirls his firearm with a smirk.

“What do you say, boys...up for a little experiment?”

No words are needed as the trio mirror their newfound allies’ expressions. One that would shake New York City to the ground in their favor.

“Then let’s get to work.”

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.

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TO BE CONTINUED....

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 4

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[NEXT DAY 12:38 pm...]

“Dudes, I am totally ready to party.”

Today, Dahlia is taking some of the guys up top to find some research while the rest watch over the lair. 

“This ain’t some tourist trip y’know,” Raph2k3 retorts, “try to keep yer head on straight long enough before yer ego explodes.”

“You’re just jealous that I was born better-looking.”

Mikey2k3 admires himself while putting his shades on. 

“Don’t start Angelo, and don’t have a fit, Red King, you’re just gonna encourage him. Hey, Purple Rain, are you done?”

“Sorry, just trying to adjust this.”

“Here, let me.”

Dahlia fixes the wristbands on Donnie2k12.

“Gotta admit,” Raph2k12 smirks, “never thought the bad-boy image would work for ol’ Donnie here.”

“Thanks, Raph...I think.”

“Okay, boys, we’re ready to go.”

“Be careful out there, guys.”

“We will, Blue-nardo~.”

Leo2k3 playfully rolls his eyes at Mikey2k3.

“You got this, April?”

“Don’t worry, girl. Good luck on recon.”

“We’re gonna need it.”

.

.

.

[Moments Later...]

“...This...is our first stop?”

“Are you sure?”

The boys give weird looks at the small candy shop.

JINGLE~

Entering, the shopkeeper notices them immediately.

“Welcome, y’all. What can I do for you?”

“Clem, right? Word on the street says you’ve got yourself some new...’candy’ on the market.”

“Candy...oh, oh, yes~ “candy”...well, all you’ve gotta say is the password.”

“(Unison)Wink/Wink?”

“...Yep. That’s the one.”

SHWING!

Clem reveals his goat-like form.

DING!

SHACK/CLACK/SHUCK!

“Woah~.”

With one ring of the desk bell, the doors and windows are shut, and the shelves switch from candy to mystical weapons, armor, and accessories of all kinds.

“Check it out.”

“Neat-o...”

Leo2k12 stands beside Dahlia as they scan the middle shelves.

“Dahlia, what exactly are we looking for?”

“Potions, scrolls, weapons, anything.”

That’s when Dahlia notices Donnie2k12 spacing out while holding a potion bottle.

“I’ve been meaning to ask...is something bothering him? He’s been on and off lately like a broken lightbulb.”

“O-Oh...well...not sure if you should get involved.”

“Leon...I’m helping you get back home by going through dangerous black markets and portal-ing myself through who knows where. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

Though conflicted, Leo2k12 whispers the details.

“Uh-huh...oh, so...o-oh—ooh~...o-kay~...well, let me give it a shot.”

“You don’t—”

“Trust me, a girl’s point of view is just what he needs.”

“Hey guys, I think I got somethin’.”

Raph2k3 grabs a book and blows the dust off the cover. He hands it over to Dahlia.

“The History of Mystic Weapons.”

“I’m sure it has chapters on teleportation.”

“But it’s only Volume-I.”

“Then, we’ll have to go to the library to find the others.”

They run on rooftops to get there faster. Once there, they make sure no one is around.

“As much as I love to browse through endless knowledge, I hardly think a regular library could obtain a book like this.”

“Purple Rain, I know you’re smart, but you should’ve caught on to this by now.”

Dahlia hovers her hand over a shelf until she finds the right one.

SHOOM~

The turtles gawk as the book expands showing it’s pointy, papered teeth.

“What.”

“The.”

“Shell?”

“Ugh, I hate this part.”

CHOMP!

FLIP-FLIP-FLIP-FLIP!

“AAAHHH!”

THUMP!

Dahlia lands on her feet compared to the turtle pile beside her. The first to get up is Donnie2k12, who’s eyes sparkle at the breathtaking scene.

“Holy chalupa, it’s...”

“Big?”

“Absolutely remarkable.”

“But probably dangerous.”

“Red King’s right. So, what’s the catch, Dahlia?”

Dahlia points her thumb up at the tall podium where the librarian is posted.

“Just keep your lips shut, and you won’t get raided out by her hush-bats.”

“The, what now?”

“Ahh~!”

They see a customer get picked up by a couple bats and fly away.

“Just let me do the talking.”

FLAP—FLAP!

Forming wings, she flies up to the librarian and clears her throat to get the yokai’s attention.

“Oh, it’s you, miss. Here for another checkout?”

“Very important checkout.”

Dahlia pulls out the book.

“I’m gonna need the whole volume collection. Do you have them?”

“You know our policy. Only five books per checkout.”

Glancing up, an idea springs in Dahlia’s mind.

“Then how about a wager?”

The librarian tips her glasses, curiously.

“Your hush-bats are pretty quick. If they fail to catch me and my friends, you let me checkout as many books as I want from now on.”

“And if they do?”

“How about a week of cleaning the library? After school hours, that is...”

“Hmm...the ever-changing shelves do need dusting...very well then.”

C-Clack

The bat-lady takes out a stopwatch.

“You’ll start from the main library and end back here. Try not to mess up the place.”

“No promises.”

.

.

[Moments Later...]

“Okay does everyone know the plan?”

“Uh-huh/Got it.”

“If we don’t get caught.”

“🤨/😶/😑...”

“Kidding, kidding, we’ll do great.”

Breaking the huddle, they hear a faint noise and look up.

FLAP-FLAP-FLAP-FLAP!

“Here we go.”

Tick

“In three...”

Tock

“Two...”

Tick

“...One.”

TOCK!

FWOOM!

The race is on, Team-A twenty-yards ahead as they jump from shelf-to-shelf. Team-B is on the other side running across the stairs upside-down.

“There it—”

“Shh!”

“(Whispers)Oh, I mean...there it is.”

Mikey2k3 points to Room 18.

“I’ll cover you.”

Mikey2k3 is on guard as Leo2k12 rushes in.

.

.

[Meanwhile...]

SCUFFLE!

“Booyakasha~!”

RATTLE!

“Whoo! Nice one, Michael!”

“Thanks, April!”

April, Leo2k3, and Donnie2k3 watch from the second floor as Mikey2k12 skates on the ramp.

“Dude~ Dahlia’s skateboard is tight! Love the craftsmanship!”

“C’mon, Mikey, you’ve been skating forever! I’ll show you how it’s really done!”

“Oh it’s on, Raph! Shred battle~!”

K-KLUNK!

While the shorter brothers duel off, Leo2k3 looks to April.

“So, April...how long have you known Dahlia?”

“Since forever.”

 >>>>>>>April’s Flashback>>>>>>>

[I was just your typical elementary school kid.]

CLATTER!

[One day I got chased by some thugs and cornered into an alley on my way home.]

April turns to see the men. She grabs a nearby pipe and trash lid.

“Bwuahaha!”

But that only amuses them.

WHISTLE~

“Huh/Gasp!”

💦SPLASH/SPLAT/PLOP!

“Augh/Hey/Ahh!”

[Next thing I know, balloons were dressing them like a rainbow bomb hit.]

“Let’s get outta here!”

Once the thieves leave, the little girl looks up at the rooftops.

[And that wasn’t the last time it happened.]

[NEXT DAY...]

FWIP!

“Hey, give it back, jerks!”

“Make us!”

“Ha-ha~!”

A girl and two boys toss April’s lunchbox over her head.

FWOOP-FWOOP-FWOOP-FWOOP!

💦💦SPLASH/SPLAT/SLOP/SPLATTER!

SHRIEK~!!

“Ew~ gross!”

“Wuaa~/Mommy~!!”

After the bullies run off crying and drenched in paint, April hears a whisper.

“Psst! Hey, over here.”

April sees a girl with a pink headband hiding behind the wall. She runs over to the brunette, away from the playground.

“Hi.”

“Um...hi. Did you do that?”

“Sure did. But it wasn’t as fun as yesterday.”

“Wait, you were the one who...”

“Uh-huh. I always go back home by rooftop running.”

“Cool~! Mom won’t even let me hang out on the fire escape without a helmet. I’m April O’Neil.”

“I’m Dahlia Shinzo. So, uh...you won’t tell anyone will you?”

“No way!”

April slings an arm around Dahlia.

“After that awesome prank...you and I are gonna be BFF’s for life!”

>>>>>>>End of Flashback>>>>>>>

.

.

“Since then, we got each other’s back no matter what. I didn’t find out she was half-yokai after that whole Hidden City lab incident.”

“What a great story,” Donnnie2k3 comments, “then how did you meet our opposites?”

“Long~ story.”

Ping!

April takes out her phone.

“Aw man, it’s my mom. Gotta go, guys! I’ll bring you some pizza tonight!”

“See ya, girl—AHH!”

THUMP!

“Ooh~ that’s gonna leave a mark.”

But Leo2k3 didn’t respond to his brother’s comment. He’s deep in thought about Dahlia and feels guilty more than concerned. As much as he admires her sense of duty, he fears that this burden is too risky to put her own life on the line.

“...Hah...”

Leo2k3 gets up and starts walking.

“Where are you going?”

“The bathroom. Be right back.”

 [At the Mystic Library...]

FWIP—FWIP!

🦇*SCREECHING!*🦇

“On your six!”

“Woah!”

Donni2k12 dodges as they run down an aisle, upside-down.

“So, guys, what do you want for dinner after this!”

“Are you seriously makin’ chitchat while we’re bein’ chased by flying rodents!”

“Technically, they’re classified as the Chiroptera, so they’re not even remotely related to mice or rats!”

“Look, ya seem nice, but cut the nerd-talk for at least five seconds!”

“Can you not scream so loud, scaredy-cat?”

“What?!”

“Look, I get it—not everybody’s a multitasker, right Purple Rain?”

“Wait, you’re bringing me in this?!”

“Jump, now!”

FWOOM!

When they do, gravity shifts them to turn and land right-side up and down a flight of stairs.

“Is that some kind of wisecrack ta’ tick me off or somethin’?!”

“Is it working?”

“Obviously!”

“So you’re not freaking out anymore?”

“Of course I ain’t, I’m...augh, shell, are you for real!”

“Now you’re getting it,” she smirks, “c’mon, we’re almost there!”

“Which way!”

“Take a left!”

*FLAPPING!*

But the other half of the flock is flying in the other direction.

“Uh~ Dahlia?!”

WHIP!

Dahlia pulls out a string of her powers, tying it around their wrists forming a linked-chain.

“Everybody slide!”

SKID~!

WHOOSH!

“AAHHH!!”

The boys scream as they fall in-between the walls and down a chute.

“What is this?!”

“Shortcut I found a couple months ago!”

FWOOM!

They land on a top floor near the window ceiling.

“There’s the lobby.”

“We’re home free—”

🦇WHOOSH/UWAAHH!🦇

Suddenly, the hush-bats get the drop on them.

“Hey, lemme go, ya rats with wings!”

“Again, not rodents.”

They yokai bring them to their boss.

C-Click

“Hm...1 minute, 32 seconds. Not bad...but not enough.”

“You sure about that?”

Confused by Dahlia’s confident smirk, the librarian looks up to see shadows looming over them.

“Cow-a-bunga~!”

THUD!

Mikey2k3 and Le2k12 fall in.

“Operation: Book Hijack is a success!”

“And we got every volume right here.”

“I did say to catch all of us, but you never said not to take any insurance with us.”

“...Hehe...fair enough.”

With a wave of her hand, the bats release the other four. Once they leave the hidden library and through the roof, the brothers high-three each other.

“Way to go, guys.”

“This calls for some pizza!”

“I’d rather eat ramen instead.”

“Oh, well, Leo here knows how to make it. (Whispers)It’s the only thing he doesn’t blow up in the kitchen.”

“Hey!”

REOW~!

They turn to see the yellow and blue creature.

“Mayhem. Where have you been hiding?”

“Another friend?”

“Hey, whatcha got there?”

Dahlia takes the crystal shard from his mouth.

SHWING~

It glows and the image of a reptilian yokai appears.

[Dahlia, there’s an emergency.]

“What’s wrong?”

[We’re low on supplies and we have our hands full here. We wouldn’t ask you to come unless—]

“C’mon, you know who you’re talking to,” she chuckles, “I’ll be there in a flash.”

[Thanks, kid.]

Dahlia puts the shard into her jacket pocket.

“I have to go. Can you guys find your way back?”

“Aww, can’t we come too?”

“Sorry, Angelo, it’s...uh...it’s personal matters.”

“But—”

“No sweat,” Raph2k3 cuts in, “we can manage just fine.”

“Okay. See you later.”

SHWOOM!

The turtles gasp as she and Mayhem warp their way out.

“Man, this portal stuff is killin’ my head.”

“Let’s get back so I can look over these books.”

[Ringtone~]

Leo2k12 answers his phone.

“Hey, Raph, we’re on our way r...uh...wh...HE DID WHAT?!”

“Leo, what’s wrong?”

“And Mikey went after him?! H-Hold on, we’re coming! Let’s move it!”

“Wait up, Leon!”

“What’s got yer shell twisted, kid?”  

Unaware to them, two men in the shadows observe their activity.

“This is too easy.”

“Yo, Jax.”

Bzzt—Bzzt

[You there, Jax.]

“Go.”

[She’s headed your way. Do your stuff.]

STOMP...STOMP...

GRR~

A smile creeps upon his face as a shadow looms over him.

“And so it begins.”

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[TO BE CONTINUED...]

[imagine4000]

Turtle Rush Part 6

Hello everyone! Hope you’re doing alright. Sorry I’ve been away for so long. A stomach virus has been going around and apparently, three days ago, I caught it. But I feel much better now and still recovering. Anyway, here’s another chapter in Turtle Rush. I’ll still be taking requests, as usual, especially tmnt works, so feel free to ask. More updates along the way.

Stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits! 

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Ba-dump...

“......”

“Ba-dump...Ba-dump...

“...Mm...ngh...”

Opening her eyes, Dahlia comes to. She gasps when finding herself in an empty void. There is no end in sight, just complete white nothing.

“Hello?...what is...”

SHAA!

Dahlia’s eyes widen when turning around, seeing the backs of a man and woman just a few feet away. Her heart almost stops, recognizing their silhouettes.

“...Mom?...Dad...?”

With her hand out, the figures begin to turn their heads.

Crack

“Uh...!”

C-Crack-Crack—Crack...

“...!?”

SHATTER!

“GASP~!”

In a flash, her body jolts, now wide awake as her eyes meet the ceiling.

“Huff—huff...huff...”

“Dahlia...”

Hearing her name, she looks up and sees the caprid yokai beside her. He wears a white, kimono-garment attire with teal/turquoise trim and blue-green shoulder pads. His hair styled in a half-up bun.

“...Draxum?”

“Can you sit up?”

Dahlia struggles but manages to. She finds herself in her room, lying in bed. Her hands now wrapped in bandages.

Trickle~

Draxum pours tea into a cup.

“Drink.”

She nods and leans a bit as he tips the cup for her.

“How long was...”

“You’ve been unconscious for eight hours.”

“...Did you save me?”

Draxum nods, putting the cup on the drawer.

“Thank you.”

“O’Neil would have my head if I hadn’t stepped in.”

A chuckle slips out of her.

“By the way, nice outfit. You finally took my advice.”

“I’ll admit, this change is...suitable...and less itchy.”

“Are the others okay?”

“They are. However, I had to put a forcefield on your door so they wouldn’t barge in.”

“Excessive much?”

“It was a necessary precaution. Putting that aside...”

Draxum carefully lifts her hands in his.

“I never thought someone was foolish enough to touch an Inferleon’s firestone. You’re very lucky that the wounds weren’t fatal.”

Dahlia looks to the closed door, which the yokai immediately reads her thoughts.

“Stay here and rest. I’ll return shortly with your meal.”

Waving his hand aside, the forcefield fades and he exits the room. Dahlia sighs while looking at her hands. She tries flexing her fingers, but moving an inch makes her flinch.

Meow~

“...Mayhem?”

The yokai enters and hops onto her lap, purring, and she smiles down at him.

Knock-Knock-Knock!

“Who’s there?”

“It’s me.”

Leo2k12 comes in, shutting the door with one hand while he carries a tray and bowl.

“Hey, Leon.”

“How are you feeling?”

“A bit groggy, but it’ll pass.”

“I told Draxum I would bring you dinner.”

The blue-clad turtle sits beside the bed, and Mayhem moves aside as he puts the tray on her lap.

“Mm~ is this ramen? Looks good.”

“You did say you were in the mood for it.”

“Oh, but my hands—”

“Don’t worry.”

Leo2k12 takes the chopsticks, grabbing noodles and soup into the spoon.

“Here.”

“Thank you.”

She slurps and eats the portion, humming in satisfaction as it warms her up. He helps feed her until she finishes the whole bowl.

“That was delicious.”

“You want some more?”

“No, I’m good.”

When distracting herself with Mayhem, she doesn’t see Leo2k12 staring at her injured hands.

“...Hm?...Leon, you okay?”

“Huh? O-Oh, uh... just thinking...”

“I’m sorry I worried you and the others.”

“N-No, I should be apologizing to you.”

“For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But I should’ve came with you. I could’ve helped.”

“We didn’t know this would happen.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Leon...what’s really going on?”

His gaze turns away from hers.

“It’s just...when I saw you being thrown off the building, I...I felt my blood run cold. It brought back a painful memory. I-It was like reliving a nightmare. If Draxum hadn’t come, then...”

Leo2k12 ducks his head, frustration rising in him. However, Dahlia prevents it when she wipes a tear from his eye.

“Ahh—ow, ow, ow...”

Leo holds her hand when seeing her strain, a bit.

“I-It’s okay, Leon...I’m okay.”

“...I’m so sorry this all happened.”

“It’s alright...and I know how it feels to lose someone. Michael told me about Splinter.”

“He...he did?”

“Y’know, even if it was risky, I think it was brave of Michael to step in and go after Nardo. He’s a lot smarter and resourceful than you guys take for granted. No matter how big of a fool he may look to others, he does his best, even if he has to hide that despair behind his smile when times get rough. I should know...”

“Is that you telling me or...how he really feels?”

“Like our Mikey, his heart will always be in the right place and being there for his family, despite the turmoil it may inflict on him.”

“...Hah...I should’ve known.”

“Of course not. You can’t know everything that goes around. If I learned anything from the Leo in this world, it’s that telling yourself and others that you’re perfect says a whole lot more. You see where I’m getting at?”

“...Aha...yeah, I do. Thanks for reminding me, Dahlia.”

“Anytime.”

Knock-Knock!

“Come in.”

They see Donnie2k12 open the door.

“Um, hi guys.”

“I’ll go put this away.”

Leo2k12 leaves with the tray and Donnie2k12 comes forward.

“So, uh...how are you?”

He mentally curses himself for even asking that when he’s looking right at her and her condition.

“I’m doing okay,” she kindly smiles, “but perfect timing. I was meaning to talk to you.”

Donnie2k12 supports her arms as they sit on the edge of the bed.

“What did you want to talk about?”

“You.”

“Me?”

“Leon told me about your troubles.”

“Troubles?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Um~ I don’t think I do.”

“Just let it sink in...”

Donnie2k12 opens his mouth to comment, but soon catches on. He groans while facepalming himself.

“Is it too late for me to crawl into my shell and die?”

“Putting all jokes aside...when did you find out about, you know...them getting together?”

The terrapin rubs the back of his neck, looking weary.

“It came to us as a surprise, to be honest. I’ve been trying to act calm about it since then, but it just...ugh~...now I feel completely humiliated of myself.”

“Hey now, don’t talk like that. It’s perfectly normal.”

“No, it isn’t. It never was and I knew that from the beginning, but I kept hoping something would happen. But now...now I feel stupid for even trying.”

“...Hah~...you’re right. You are an idiot.”

Donnie2k12 raises a brow-line, confused.

“But she was your first crush, right?”

“Um...yes?”

“Well, there’s your problem.”

“...?”

“My dad once told me: We can’t change or choose everything that goes on in our lives but knowing that we lived what we experienced firsthand is satisfying enough.”

“I never thought of it that way. Guess that means I’m lacking experience.”

“Well...not that I’m blaming anyone here...she also could’ve made things easier by reflecting on all this instead of being secretive about it.”

“That’s...well, you make a valid point.”

“Sometimes we forget the actions we make can lead to complication and misunderstandings. But there’s still some good that comes out of it when talking things over. You two are still friends, right?”

“We are...”

“And does being friends still make you happy?”

“...Yeah...it kind of does.”

“Then you’re lucky to have her as a friend. And...”

Knowing her hands are still damaged, Dahlia nudges his shoulder against hers with a positive attitude.

“If you ever do meet someone special in the future, and if you’re ready to start over...then you’ll realize how lucky you were to have experienced love in the first place.”

Dahlia’s words stun him. Donnie2k12 hasn’t been given this kind of advice since his father was around. Hearing this level of honest, but sensitivity in her approach puts him at ease.

“Y’know, I have to admit...you’re just as adorkable as the Donnie I’ve come to love.”

“A-Ador...wait...did you just...”

She tilts her head, smiling.

“Y-You...Dahlia, are you saying you—”

“Like him? Yeah, for some time, now.”

Donnie2k12 shakes his head to break off the shock.

“But you...I mean...does he know?”

“Not sure,” Dahlia shrugs, “we do throw a bit of playful antics, but that’s about it.”

“Then why haven’t you told him yet?”

“Unlike yourself, this Donnie has serious trust issues and very skeptical. The first time we met, it took almost a month for us to actually talk to each other alone in the same room.”

“That must’ve been super awkward.”

“Human or mutant or even yokai...we’ve all got issues, but we got plenty of time to work things out. The important thing is that it takes times. I’ll be ready when the time’s right. I hope you do the same if you’re given another chance.”

“...Thank you, Dahlia. I mean it.”

“Hey, it’s what friends do.”  

They smile at each other, briefly, before Dahlia stands up, heading for the door.

“Wait, let me.”

C-Click

AAHHH/THUD!

Donnie2k12 takes a step back when opening the door, revealing Mikey2k12 flat on his plastron.

“Dahlia! You’re awake!”

“Woah, slow down lil’ guy.”

Before Mikey2k12 could tackle Dahlia, he gets pulled by the shell by Raph2k3.

“We don’t wanna hug her till she’s unconscious again. Good to see ya, kiddo.”

“You too, Red King.”

“Say, yer bandages are lookin’ a little worn out. Lemme redo some new ones for ya.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll go make some snacks!”

DASH!

“Hah...and I better make sure he doesn’t go on one of his crazed food fusions.”

While they’re doing that, Raph2k3 gets the first-aid in the bathroom. He and Dahlia sit inside the living room at the table booth. The red-clad rubs medication on her bare palms, making her hiss.

“Sorry bout’ that.”

“No worries.”

After cooling a bit, Raph2k3 carefully wraps the bandages around her.

“You’re pretty good at this.”

“I box all the time, so havin’ some extra protection under the gloves comes in handy.”

When finished, Dahlia doublechecks the adjustments.

“Listen...”

She looks up at Raph2k3.

“I just wanna say, uh...thanks for, you know...lettin’ me and my bros crash ‘ere. You’re doin’ a big favor for us.”

“...Same to you, Red. Thanks for sticking by me.”

“Just don’t go doing everythin’ by yer-self.”

[Ringtone~]

“Oh, it’s my backup phone.”

“Where is it?”

“Strapped under the table.”

Raph2k3 reaches under and takes it out.

“What do ya know...it’s one of your boys.”

He shows the caller id.

“Oh-mi-gosh, Donnie! Okay, uh...just put it here, don’t let him see you, and don’t say a word.”

Setting the phone upwards with two books, he presses the facetime button for her and sits away from the camera’s view.

[Hey~ how’s my karaoke buddy doing?]

“Leo? Why do you...nevermind. How are you calling me? I thought there was no signal.]

[Nothing is impossible when you have a smart-alack hermano at your beck and call. Hooked up a sweet new high-tech satellite. Now we can text, call, and e-mail an S.O.S.—I-I mean talk to you and April. See how things are going.]

“That’s great. And I’m guessing you got my voicemail?”

[Uhhh....]

Just seeing his reaction is enough for her to look all smug.

[Any-whizzle, hope we’ll cut this trip short. You know how Donnie gets without technology.]

“And without coffee.”

[Leo—is that my phone? Who are you talking to!]

[Oh look, your Purple Knight has come to partake in your lovely presence.]

[Is that Dahlia?!] What did you say to her?!]

[Say hello, gorgeous~!]

[Dahlia, whatever he said, erase it from your mind! L-Leo—give it back! I swear—I will tie you up and drag you from the end of the Turtle Tank all the way home if you don’t—!]

Dahlia laughs as she watches the video follow Leo’s movements while being chased by his twin.

[H-Hello, Dahlia?]

“Hey there, Purple Knight. Everyone still sane?”

[Yeah, yeah, uh—ahem...sorry about that. I was just checking the satellite’s pinpoint and—WHAT IN ISAAC NEWTON’S LAWS HAPPENED TO YOUR HANDS?!]

“O-Oh, this? Just a minor injury.”

[Just a...Lia’ you look like you got injected with the DNA of a mummy! Did you hurt yourself?!]

“Um—"

[Gasp~ did someone else do this? That’s it—isn’t it!]

“W-What, no, I—”

[Someone did—didn’t they?! Who was it! Just give me their address, phone number, license, social security number and I’ll hack into—]

“Breathe, dude! No one did this. Just a total accident.”

[You sure? Cause I’ve been dying to try out my latest interrogation protocol device—]

“Okay, we seriously need to work on how you exercise your chaotic-ness besides deadly inventions.”

[💥💥KABOOM!💥💥]

“What was that?”

[🔥🔥FLARE!🔥🔥]

[Woah~ mama/Donnie/Uwaahh!]

[No-no-no-no—NO~ NOT MY BABY!]

Dahlia and Raph2k3 sit there, dumbfounded by the ruckus.

“Uh...Donnie?”

[And~ I’m back! I’m back, sorry! Oh, and the tank’s engine exploded.]

“SAY WHAT?!”

[But I can totally fix this.]

[I’M SCORCHING LIKE THE SUN! PUT IT OUT—PUT IT OUT—PUT IT OUT~!!]

[Mikey, hold still! Leo, stop roasting marshmallows on the engine!]

Both Donnie2k18 and Dahlia groan in annoyance.

“You better go.”

[Right. We still on for Jupiter-Jim/Lou-Jitsu marathon weekend?]

“If you get here fast, I’ll throw in your favorite snacks.”

[Consider the job done!]

“Props to everyone. Miss you already.”

She gives a wink before ending the call.

“Phew~ that was close.”

“No kidding.”

“Ahem.”

Just then, Leo2k3 gets their attention.

“That’s my cue to leave,” Raph2k3 mumbles.

He gets up and tussles Dahlia’s hair. Passing through the doorway, he gives a light tap on his brother’s shoulder, leaving the two alone.

“...Uh...hey?”

“Hey...er...glad you’re awake.”

“Thanks.”

“...”

“...”

“...Dahlia, you...you have every right to be upset. I was too quick to act and put ourselves in danger. It nearly got you killed.”

Leo2k3 walks over and bows.

“This was my fault and my responsibility. I hope you can forgive me.”

“I already have, Nardo. I’m just glad everyone’s okay.”

“I, um...I know...about you and your family.”

Dahlia perks her head up, startled.

“April told us everything.”

“...And...you’re okay with it?”

“Of course we are. It doesn’t change a thing.”

“...So...friends?”

Leo2k3 nods with a smile.

SCREECH~!

That’s when April slides in, almost out of breath.

“Dahlia!”

The teen collides into her friend but careful not to hurt her.

“Don’t you go scaring me like that again girl—you hear me?!”

“Ahaha—okay, okay...but I can’t stay for long, here.”

“Where are you going?”

“Remember the place I took you and the guys to during the summer?”

“Uhh, yeah, and it was awesome.”

“Did I hear a road trip?”

The others start to gather around.

“Sorry, Michael, but it’s not a retreat. In the meantime, someone has to keep an eye on things here.”

“Let us come, too,” Leo2k12 insists.

“Yeah, you just got back from one heck of a beating,” Raph2k12 implies.

“Guys, now that Hypno, Meat-Sweats, and Ghostbear have teamed up with Jax, Colton and Skeet, we’ll need all hands-on deck.”

“Who?”

“The time jackers’.”

“At least take some of us with you, Dahlia.”

“He’s right.”

“We got you in this mess.”

“And we’re gonna get out of this, together.”

The girls exchange looks for a brief moment.

“In that case...Michael, Raging-Red, Donato, and Blue-Nardo...you’re with me. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

“Alright, dudes! We’re in on the action!”

“Meanwhile, the rest of you stay behind and scout at night. See if you can find where those guys are hiding.”

“Gotcha.”

“Then, let’s hit the sack and hope for the best.”

.

.

.

.

>>>>>>>NEXT MORNING>>>>>>>

At the break of dawn Dahlia carries a duffle-bag as Mayhem stands beside her in the middle of the atrium.

“You guys ready?”

Dahlia turns to see Leo2k3, Raph2k12, Donnie2k3, and Mikey2k12 dressed in their new clothes.

“Better believe it.”

“Yeah, we haven’t had our time to shine in these new duds.”

“So, where are we headed?”

“Back to the forest.”

“Uhh~ you mean where that giant cat is?”

“Relax, Michael. I called my friends to keep an eye on him, since Jax stole the gem, it’s main source of energy. Besides, he eats crystals, and I don’t think your shell would be that appetizing to him.”

“Hey, I’m a Grade-A turtle, here. No one would turn down all this delicious-ness.”

Ignoring the look on his brothers, Dahlia turns to the second floor where the other four turtles, April, Draxum, Franken-Foot, and Shelldon are standing.

“We’ll see you soon, guys!”

“You got this, Dahlia!”

“Remember the plan, alright?”

“Count on us.”

“See you later!”

“Alright, Mayhem, do your thing.”

SHWING!

.

.

SHWING!

“...Woah~.”

The turtles gawk at the mansion lying just above acres of field in the middle of nowhere.

“What is this place?”

“A crystal plantation and blacksmith facility.”

Dahlia’s eyes narrow with somber nostalgia.

“And...my old home.”

.

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED...